WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
21 February 2022  
(22-1684) Page: 1/56 
Trade Policy Review Body  
17 and 19 November 2021  Original: English/anglais/inglés  
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
OMAN 
MINUTES  OF THE MEETING  
Addendum  
Chairperson: H.E. Mrs. Athaliah Lesiba MOLOKOMME (Botswana)  
This document contains the advance written questions  and additional questions by WTO 
Members , and replies provided by  Oman .1 
 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
17 et 19 novembre 2021  
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUES COMMERCIALES  
OMAN 
COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION  
Addendum  
Présidente : S.E.  Mme. Athaliah Lesiba MOLOKOMME (Botswana)  
Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance par les 
Membres de l'OMC, leurs questions additionnelles, et les réponses  fournies par  Oman .1 
 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
17 y 19 de noviembre de 2021  
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES  
OMÁN 
ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN  
Addendum  
Presidenta: Excma.  Sra. Athaliah Lesiba MOLOKOMME (Botswana)  
En el presente documento figuran las preguntas presentadas anticipadamente por escrit o y 
las preguntas adicionales de los Miembros de la OMC,  así como las respues tas facilitadas por  Sultania 
de Omán .1 
  
 
1 In English only./En anglais seulement./En inglés solamente.  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  CONTENTS  
BRAZIL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  3 
CANADA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  4 
CHINA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  10 
CHINA – ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  ................................ ................................ ...............  11 
EUROPEAN UNION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  14 
ICELAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  21 
INDIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  22 
INDIA – ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  ................................ ................................ ................  32 
ISRAEL  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  36 
SAUDI ARABIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  37 
SINGAPORE  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  38 
THAILAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  42 
THAI LAND – ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  ................................ ................................ .........  44 
UNITED STATES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  46 
UNITED STATES - FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS  ................................ ................................ ... 54 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  BRAZIL  
Question 1:  Accordi ng to paragraph 3.74 of the Secretariat report, a health certificate and prior 
permission from the Department of Veterinary Licenses of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and 
Water Resources are required to imports of live animals from all countries, i ncluding Gulf Cooperation 
Council countries. Brazil has presented a request to the Department of Veterinary Licenses in order 
to receive the requirements for exporting living bovines and bubalines to Oman. What is the expected 
time for the Department of Ve terinary Licenses to answer WTO Members about requirements for 
exporting living animals? What are the requirements to export living bovines and bubalines to Oman?  
 
Reply  
Oman applies the GCC Laws on Veterinary Quarantine and Plant Quarantine. Ninety -one (91) 
imports, exports and domestic production of plants and animals are subject to inspection by the 
quarantine section of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Water Re sources, which also examines 
and issues SPS certificates for all agricultural products prior to their export. Permission from the 
Directorate General of Agricultural Development (DGAD), is required for the import of agricultural 
seeds, plants and plant par ts and products; this generally takes one working week.  
 
Question 2 : According to paragraph 3.75 of the Secretariat report, imports of foodstuffs of several 
animal and plant products must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the relevant 
author ity in the country of origin, to ensure that the items are fit for human consumption and that 
animal feed is fit for animals. Brazil has presented to the Omani authorities a proposal for exporting 
products based on bovine, swine and poultry meat. What is t he average time to get an answer from 
the Omani authorities related to health certificates? What are the requirements to export products 
based on bovine, swine and poultry meat to Oman?  
 
Reply  
As indicated in the previous answer.  
 
 
 
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  CANADA  
PART I: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
  
SUMMARY  
Page 16, paragraphs 1.22  
The Secretariat report mentions that Omani authorities have taken steps to ensure that the 
Omanization quotas are met and companies are subject to a temporary ban on hiring forei gn 
workers. In parallel, Oman has recently revised its target of having at least 30% of electricity output 
from renewable energy sources by 2030 (page 65, 4.46).   
 
Question : 
1. Given the relatively short timeline to achieving this ambition, could Oman provid e an update 
on whether the Omanization quotas in the renewable sector are being maintained? If not, 
what are the main challenges in meeting these quotas?  
 
2. Does Oman maintain exemptions from quotas in the case where local technical expertise is 
not availab le? 
 
3. Will Omanization remain an ongoing policy objective, or does Oman plan in the future to 
consider reducing its Omanization targets?  
  
4. Also, could Oman provide more insight as to the conditions under which foreign equipment 
suppliers and engineering com panies must comply with to participate in the renewable 
energy tenders?  
 
Reply  
1. The renewable energy sector is still relatively new in Oman and there is a need for foreign 
expertise in this field.  
 
2. As long as local technical expertise is unavailable, there are exemptions to the Omanization 
quotas.  
 
3. Omanization is a key government policy – intended to help create employment opportunities 
for Omani citizens in the private sector.  
4. Conditions depend on the tender document issued. Any foreign suppliers / companies who 
meet the conditions detailed in the tender document have the right to submit a bid. The 
Tender Board's mission is to register companies willing to participate in a tende r, review 
tender documents, float the tender, make documents available to qualified applicants, 
publish the tender, approve the evaluation report submitted by ministries, send a 
recommendation report to award the tenderer and check variation orders for awa rded 
projects. However, foreign company wishing to tender in Oman will need to review the 
relevant tender documents and verify that the tender is open to foreign companies and may 
consider registering in the tender board's list.   
 
III TRADE POLICIES AND PR ACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
 
Page 41, Table 3.7  
Table 3.7 of the Secretariat report covers various import restrictions alongside the Omani institution 
responsible for issuing certificates for import. In include s reference to the Ministry of Agriculture, 
Fisheries and Water Resources maintaining restrictions on imports of timber, among other things.  
 
Question  
1. For greater clarity, can Oman confirm that the only restrictions in place for imports of timber 
are those  phytosanitary requirements set out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and 
Water resources referenced in paragraph 3.75, page 49 of the Secretariat report?  
 
Reply  
Oman Confirms that all restrictions for imports of timber are sanitary and phytosanita ry measures.  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  3.2.3  Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
Page 43 (Para 3.41)  
 
The report provides information with respect to import  restrictions related to strategic and military 
items (Table 3.7; page 42) but does not make any mention of export  restrictions or export licensing 
system.  
 
Question  
Could Oman confirm that there are no export controls, restrictions, or prohibitions appli cable to 
strategic or military items?  
 
Reply  
By default, most countries including Oman, apply export controls on strategic and military items.  
Oman maintains destination -based controls on the export and re -export of such items, in alignment 
with relevant UN agreements, decisions and resolutions.  
 
Section 3.3.1 Incentives  
Page  46, section 3.56:  
3.56. It is noted that the Public Authority for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises 
(Riyada) was established in June 2013. Its objectives are to develop SMEs by enabling them to: (i) 
access funding; (ii) instil a culture of entrepreneurship; (iii) promote employment opportunities, 
especially to young Omanis; (iv) assist entrepreneurs in implementation and leadership tasks; (v) 
enhance competitivene ss; and (vi) support innovation and economic diversification.   To this end, 
Riyada provides training, support, and consulting services.  
 
3.57.   Another entity responsible for SMEs' development is the Al Raffd Fund, which is dedicated to 
support young Omani s who establish their own projects. The Fund has provided more than 
4,000  direct job opportunities, among which 35.3% for women.  
 
Question 1: It is noted that there are several entities in place responsible for SMEs' development. 
With regard to SMEs and in  particular, women -owned businesses, does Oman have programs and/or 
policies that have been implemented to help strengthen and promote women entrepreneurship? Are 
there specific programs or practices in place to provide women and women -owned MSMEs access t o 
trade related information and assistance?  
 
Reply  
Yes, the Basic Statute of the State "Constitution" stressed in the article 21 that "citizens are all the 
same before the law and are equal in public rights and duties, and do not discriminate against them 
because of gender ......." 
  
Oman has established a number of mechanisms to support women's participation in economic life, 
including the   newly -created General Authority for the Development of SMEs , established by merging  
The Public Authority for Small & Medium Enterprises Development (Riyada), established by the Royal 
Decree No. 36/2013 in June 2013, Al Raffd Fund, created by the Royal Decree No.6/2013 and The 
Public Authority for Craft Industries, created by the Royal Decree 24/2003  
 
The General Authority for the Development of SMEs was  established with the aim of strengthening 
the role of SMEs with the ability to provide multiple and renewable employment opportunities for 
Omani youth of both sexes and assist them, and to support Omani entreprene urs of both genders 
in developing successful businesses.  
 
The Al Raffd Fund aims to empower and support young entrepreneurs, social security workers, job 
seekers, researchers, rural residents, professionals and artisans of both sexes, as well as existing 
entrepreneurs from small and medium -sized enterprises.  The Fund has provided more than 4,000 
direct job opportunities, among which 35.3% have been filled by women.  
 
The Committee of Women Entrepreneurs at the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (O CCI) is 
chaired by a woman. Three women OCCI Board members are also represented in the committee. 
Under ministerial decision 4/2011 issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment 
Promotion women are allowed to conduct a range of home -based busin esses.  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  3.3.5    State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
 
Page 50, paragraph 3.84:  
 
It is noted that in 2017, the Implementation Support and Follow -up Unit of the Tanfeedh programme 
(paragraph 2.14) declared that there were around 70 state -owned enterprises in Oman and that 
between 2017 and 2021, the objective was to sell OMR 700 million of SOE assets to the private 
sector.  
 
Question 1: Could Oman elaborate on the specific steps taken since 2017 to implement the 
objective of selling OMR 700 million of SOE assets to the private sector, as well as confirming whether 
it expects to meet this target by 2021?  
 
Reply  
The privatization mandate remains to be of importance given Oman's vision to have a larger 
contribution of the private sector in the economy. Following the Royal Decree and the establishment 
of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), go vernment companies now come under OIA and it will 
pursue the privatization mandate going forward. The privatization process has progressed in the 
electricity, power, water, telecommunications, transport, wastewater and hazardous waste sectors.  
 
3.3.6 Gover nment Procurement  
Page 52, paragraph 3.91  
The aforementioned paragraph of the report provides the following:  
 
For specific circumstances, four other [procurement] methods apply: (i)  restricted 
tender to specific suppliers, contractors, or consultants withi n or outside the 
Sultanate; (ii)  direct assignment; (iii)  negotiation under specific conditions with the 
bidder of the lowest bid; and (iv)  competition for the purpose of conducting studies 
or preparing designs, layouts, models, or other technical works re quired for a 
specific project Restricted tendering applies to tenders of a special nature with pre 
qualified bidders. Direct assignments are allowed in four situations: (i) special cases 
(not specified).  
 
Question 1 : Could Oman provide examples of the spec ific circumstances for which these methods 
would apply?  
 
Reply  
In general all tenders are subject to the principles of publicity, equal opportunities, equality and 
freedom of competition. However, a tender may be entered into through a limited contract or  
through direct assignment in special cases in order to obtain technical or consultancy services, supply 
articles or carry out assignments depends on the nature of which requires restricting the participation 
in the tender to specific suppliers , contractors or consultants within or outside the Sultanate who 
satisfy the required conditions. Moreover, Competition is a special method for contracting for the 
purpose of conducting studies or preparing designs, layouts, models or other technical works  
required for a specific project.  
 
Page 52, paragraph 3.92  
 
The report indicates that "[u]nder Article 18 of the Law, tender notices should be published early in 
time in a widely circulated Arabic and English language newspaper, and possibly online " [emphasis 
added].  
 
Question 2 : Could Oman present the criteria use d to determine whether a tender notice should be 
published online?  
 
Answer:  
Article 18 states all tenders should be published electronically.  
 
Page 52, paragraph 3.92  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  It is also noted that "[n]on -Omani companies and establishments can participate in international 
tenders if they registered under the relevant procedures."  
 
Question 3: Could Oman provide information on the procedures necessary for foreign companies 
to participate in international tenders?  
 
Reply  
Tender procedures for inte rnational companies are readily available on the Tender Board website:  
https://etendering.tenderboard.gov.om/product/publicDash . 
 
Conditions depend on the tender document. However, any foreign suppliers / companies who meet 
the tender conditions have the right to apply.   
 
Page 52, section 3.95:  
 
3.95 It is noted that Oman is an observer to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement.  
 
Question 1: Does Oman have any plans to become a full party to the WTO Agreement on 
Government Procurement?  
 
Reply  
Oman is still in the process of examining the preparation required for its accession to the GPA.  
 
IV TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2.1 Mining and quarrying  
Page 62, paragraph 4.26  
The Secretariat Report notes that mineral rights license holders are required to pay a minimum of 
1% of annual production towards a corporate social responsibility fund managed by the authorities.  
 
Question:  
1. Can Oman provide more information on the activities undertaken by this corporate social 
responsibility fund?  
Reply  
The contribution is mandatory and is utilised in the development of the local community in which 
the mining area exists (i.e. the town/city wher e the mining permit is issued). It funds sustainable 
projects that serve the community, social initiatives that contribute to the development of society, 
public service initiatives and projects that supports youth and women development.  
 
2. Which authority is  responsible for managing the fund?  
Reply  
It is not a centrally managed fund. The Social Responsibility Contribution is collected by Ministry of 
Energy & Minerals on a monthly basis. The contribution is transferred to regional governorate 
accounts across Oman via the Ministry of Finance. The contribution is then allocated to the relevant 
city/town where the mining area exists.  
 
Page 62, paragraph 4.29  
The Secretariat Report describes the number of Omanis employed in the mining and quarrying 
sector, and the sector's Omanization policy target.  
 
Question:  
1. For greater clarity, could Oman please clarify whether its Omanization policy is a target set 
for Omani employment in the mining sector as a whole, or whether specific professions in 
the sector are eac h subject to the 35% target?  
 
Reply  
Thus far, no specific target has been set for the mining sector. It is subject to the general 35% 
target that applies to most sectors.  
 
4.4.4 Tourism  
Page 78, paragraph 4.129  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  It is noted that licensing requirements apply to numerous activities, which cover, inter alia, 
entertainment and leisure activities, tourist transportation, water sports, travel agencies, hotel 
management, and tour guides.  
 
Question:  Do these licensing requirements apply equally to domestic and foreign entities?  
 
Reply  
The licensing requirements apply equally to both domestic and foreign entities.  
  
Page 78, paragraph 4.130  
 
The Secretariat Report notes that state involvement is quite heavy in the tourism sector.  
 
Question: Could Oman provide additional details on the involvement of state in the tourism sector? 
And what impact, if any, does such involvement have on domestic and foreign entities?  
 
Reply  
 
The Ministry seeks to develop the tourism sector by providing t he necessary support to the private 
sector, which includes both domestic and foreign entities, for example: The Ministry previously 
offered lands in attractive sites with minimum rental fees based on usufruct agreement at location 
considered to be essentia l to the tourist sector, which have been invested and developed by the 
private sector. Such projects and developments are in various forms such as: Integrated tourist 
complexes or tourist projects of all kinds (such as hotels, resorts, and shopping malls).  
 
PART II: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  
Government Report – Oman  
 
Page 6, paragraph 2.20:  
It is noted that the privatization process has progressed in various sectors, including in the transport 
sector. Canada also notes that there are references in the WTO Secretariat Report to various state -
owned entities in the transport sector, including in Table 3.8 on page 51 and Section 4.4.3 
(Transport) on pages 73 -76, for example related to transport infrastructure, ports, maritime 
shipping, air ports, air carriers, bus and ferry services, ship repair, and rail infrastructure and 
operations.  
Question 1: Could Oman elaborate on the specific privatization measures that have taken place in 
the transport sector during the review period?  
Question 2: Does Oman have any further plans to reduce state ownership and involvement in the 
transport sector as part of its ongoing privatization efforts?  
Reply  
The government has made several changes to it privatizations policy through the issue of the 
Privatization Law (Royal Decree No. 51/2019). This new legislation aims to stimulate private sector 
growth. In addition, the Public Authority for Privatization & Partnership, established in 2019 and 
merged with the Ministry of Finance in 2020, looks forward to attractin g both domestic and foreign 
private companies into infrastructure and public service projects. In 2020, the Oman Investment 
Authority (OIA) was established to group together various state -owned entities. These recent 
changes will require time to have the d esired impact.  
 
7.3 Oil Sector and Mining  
Page 11, Paragraph 7.13  
The government report notes that mining and quarrying is a small sector of Oman's economy but 
carries large potential. Oman is pursuing a policy of exploiting this sector to diversify its e conomy.  
Question:  
1. What measures are being considered to ensure sustainable natural resource extraction?  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  Reply  
Currently the Ministry is reviewing the Mining Law so that it is in -line with international mining codes. 
With regard to sustainability, emphas is is on the highest professional conduct of the mining sector, 
health and safety, meeting environmental standards, reducing and recycling of waste, governance 
of social contribution, creation of super community contractors, development of local small and 
medium -sized enterprises that provide services and goods to the mining sector, the creation of jobs 
in the sector and the use of alternative energy sources to power quarries.  
 
 
 
 
 
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  CHINA  
PART I: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
Page 47，Para. 3.62.  
According to the authorities, Oman develops technical regulations and standards at the national level 
only if there is a pressing need.  
 
Question  
1. Please share more information on the meaning of "pressing need". In what kind of need, will 
Oman develop technical regulations and standards at the national level?  
 
Reply  
Oman, like other GCC members, sets specifications that comply with international standards.  
However,  on occasions there is a need for a national variant. For example, the applic ation of national 
strategies to promote community health, as well as economic or social justifications.  
 
2. How many technical regulations and standards at the national level?  
 
Reply  
Approximately 39. For further information, we recommend you visit: 
https://dgsm.gso.org.sa/store/standards   
 
 
PART II: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  
 
Page 7，Para 3.6. 
A One -Stop-Shop has been provided by Oman in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment 
Promotion for assisting domestic and foreign investors in meeting all formalities related to 
investments. This enables investors to set up companies in a very short time, minim izing paperwork 
and costs.  
 
Question  
3. Please explain the structure or the composition and the operation mode of the One -Stop-Shop in 
the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.  
 
Reply  
Invest Easy is the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion's one -stop-shop portal 
for registering new businesses, reducing procedures and time to complete investor transactions. 
Today, via Invest Easy , investors can obtain approval for more than 1,500 different economic 
activities – that is about 88% of all total economic activities - issuing one single document that 
includes all licenses and approvals from ten leading authorities. Since the launch of the new licensing 
approval service in April 2021, nearly 54,000 applicants have alr eady received automatic approvals. 
For further details, we recommend you visit:  https://www.business.gov.om/ieasy/wp/en/ . 
 
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  CHINA – ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  
PART I: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
Page 19, Table 1.5 Trade in services  
 
Question:  
1. Is Traditional Chinese Medicine service trade included in trade in services? If so, please provide 
relevant trading data. 
 
Reply  
According to commercial registration in Oman "Chinese medicine service "is not classified but is 
registered under the "specified health clinics", so it is not easy to provide data for Chinese medicine 
in Oman. The Ministry of Health is responsible for the approval for such clinics and medicine.  
 
Page 32, Para 2.57  
Royal Decree No.69/2008 established a legal framework for online transactions. As e -commerce 
becomes increasingly important in international trade, Oman sees opportunities in this field, notably 
using its port facilities as a potential h ub for e -commerce.  
 
Question ： 
2. Please provide more information about laws and regulations related to cross-border e -commerce 
trade .  
 
Reply  
The Electronic Transactions Law of the Sultanate of Oman has been issued by Royal Decree 69/2008. 
The formulation of this law begins a new era for Oman, where a truly e -enabled society evolves. It 
is a major milestone in the implementation of the National IT Strategy  
 
This is the first law to legalize electronic transactions in Oman which can be defined as any contract, 
agreement or communication in this regard to be fully o r partially implemented by electronic means 
as electronic messages.  
 
The government has been working on an IT strategy which has to modified after the merger of the 
Information Technology Authority (ITA) under the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications & 
Information Technology and the establishment of e -commerce under the Ministry of Commerce, 
Industry & Investment Promotion.  
 
Page 43, Para 3.35  
While no anti -dumping, countervailing, or safeguard measure was reported under the 2014 Review, 
the GCC start ed to impose anti -dumping measures in June 2017 by first targeting electric lead -acid 
accumulators of capacity between 35 and 115 Amp -hours from the Republic of Korea. The last 
notification made to the WTO, covering the period July -December 2020, lists ant i-dumping duties 
imposed on China, India, the Republic of Korea, Poland and Spain.  
 
Question ： 
3. Please provide more information on Oman's  anti-dumping measures imposed on  imported 
products from China.  
 
Reply  
Oman implements the GCC Common Law on Anti -dumping, Countervailing and Safeguard and any 
measures imposed on imported products either from China or others countries are in accordance to 
this common law which is in conformity with WTO provisions.   
 
Page 46, Para 3.54  
Incentiv es available for domestic and foreign investors in Oman comprise, inter alia: tax exemptions; 
no income tax for individuals (although its introduction is being studied); freedom of capital 
transfers; one -stop shop service66; tariff exemptions on raw materi als, machinery, and equipment 
imported for local production; and full foreign property rights (under certain conditions).  
 
Question:  
4. Please specify  the application scope of tax exemptions and the application procedures.  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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Reply  
The Bayan platform administered by the Customs Authority is the formal platform to apply to and 
obtain customs exemption for raw materials, machines or spare parts after obtaining the industrial 
license, a nd documents related to the regulation governing exemptions. All applications are received 
by the Directorate General of Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment 
Promotion and the final decision is issued in accordance to the Industrial Law. 
 
Page 57, Para 3.112 -113 
3.122. Intellectual property right (IPR) infringements and violations can be subject to fines and 
imprisonment......The Public Prosecution Office may initiate legal action ex officio with respect to 
IPR-related offences, witho ut the need for a formal complaint by a private party or right holder.126  
 
3.123. Articles 66 to 100 of Royal Decree No. 67/2008 detail the enforcement measures that can be 
initiated for the protection of patents, trademarks, industrial designs, geographic al indications, and 
layout -designs.......The Law on Patents stipulates that it is the responsibility of each GCC member 
State to settle patent disputes (Article 26).  
 
Question ： 
5. Please introduce  laws and regulations on  foreign -related intellectual property disputes.  
6. Please  elaborate on the measures Oman  has brought in to strengthen IPR protection since last 
Trade Policy Review . 
 
Reply  
With regards to Copyright and Neighboring Rights this is according to Royal Decree 65 /2008 and its 
amended Royal Decree 132/2008. For Industrial Property it is in accordance with  
Royal Decree No. 67/2008.  
 
IPR enforcement is the responsibility of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion, 
the Public Authority for Consumer  Protection and The Public Prosecution Office - they work together 
on enforcement of IPR. IPR infringements and violations are subject to fines (up to RO10,000) or 
imprisonment (up to three years). Civil remedies are available in all cases of infringement.  The Public 
Prosecution Office may initiate legal action ex officio with respect to IPR -related offences without the 
need for a formal complaint by a private party or right holder.  
 
 
PART II: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  
 
Page 6, Para 3.1  
The investment regime is a priority area of Oman's economic development. As a matter of conscious 
policy, Oman actively promotes both domestic and foreign investment to enhance economic growth 
and development.  
 
Question:  
6. Please specify  Oman 's main measures  for improving foreign investment environment during the 
review period.  
7. Please  further elaborate about current incentive schemes that are being offered primarily to 
entice foreign investors to cope with the impact of COVID -19 pandemic . 
 
Reply  
New legislat ion on investment was adopted in 2019 and 2020. The Commercial Companies Law of 
2019 allows both foreign and domestic investment in seven different legal forms. Under the New 
Foreign Capital Investment Law of 2020, foreign investors no longer need to partn er with a local 
shareholder, as the former 30% Omani ownership requirement was revoked . 
 
Facing the COVID -19 pandemic, Omani authorities implemented a series of measures to mitigate 
the impact of the economic impact. Fiscal measures to support the economy included interest -free 
emergency loans, waiving or reducing selected taxes and fees, flexibility to pay taxes in instalments 
and establishing the Job Security Fund to support citizens who lost their jobs  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  PART III. OTHER QUESTIONS  
 
8. Please elaborate on Oman 's expectation for the 12th Ministerial Conference . 
 
Reply  
Oman is firm in its support to collaborate and ensure the MC12 is successful and delivers fair, 
meaningful and tangible outcomes for the entire membership and to further enh ance the role of the 
WTO. The interests of developing countries must remain at the heart of the WTO and in any 
negotiations via the Special and Differential treatment provisions as an integral part of the WTO 
agreements.  
 
9. How does Oman define public air tr ansport and general aviation? Are there any different 
economic and safety management policies and relevant laws and regulations on public air 
transport and general aviation?  
 
Reply  
The main legislation concerning air transport is the Civil Aviation Law (wh ich came into force in 2004, 
and was amended in 2012 and 2019). This law is in conformity with international agreements which 
Oman is a member.   
 
10. Please introduce Oman 's tariff and charging management policies and modes on both public air 
transport and ge neral aviation.  
 
Reply  
According to Oman schedule of commitments on Goods, the tariff applied is "zero" for goods related 
to civil aircraft.  
 
 
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  EUROPEAN UNION  
WT/TPR/S/418 – WTO Secretariat's Report  
 
1 ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.2 Recent Economic Developments  
Paragraph 1.22, Page 16  
"Omanization is the job creation policy for Omanis. Under Oman Vision 2040, Oman's latest long -
term strategy published in January 2019 (Section 2), Omanis are expected to account for over 40% 
of the workforce in the private sector. Omanization quotas are assigned to various sectors, including 
60% for transport, storage, and communications; 45% for finance, insurance, and real estate; 35% 
for industry; 30% for hotels and restaurants; 20% for the whol esale and retail trades; and 15% for 
contracting. The quotas may be reviewed periodically. The authorities have taken steps to ensure 
that the Omanization quotas are met, for instance, from January 2018 a total of 17 Ministry of 
Economy, Ninth Five -Year Pl an. 87 occupations are subject to a temporary ban on hiring foreign 
workers; in May 2019, the coverage of the ban was expanded to some positions at the executive 
levels."  
 
EU Question N°1  
How does Oman plan to tackle the issue of increasing Omani participation in the private 
sector (Omanis comprised of 85% of public sector jobs)? How does Oman plan to address 
the gap in attracting investment in Oman especially with strict employment laws to  hire 
skilled Omani labour where it is difficult to find locals with the desired experience?  
 
Reply  
The Ministry of Labour is reviewing and updating Oman's employment laws and legislations and 
studying the replacement and employment plan in cooperation wi th the supervising government 
agencies and various economic sectors.  
 
A labour market reform strategy designed to make Omani nationals more competitive in the private 
sector labour market, make private sector jobs more attractive to nationals, and require or 
encourage private firms to meet certain Omanization  policies  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.3.2 Tariff bindings  
Paragraph 3.21, Table 3.4, Page 38  
For 26 tariff lines, applied rates are higher th an bound rates, for products containing either an animal 
residue (pig fat/meat) or alcohol.  
 
EU Question N°2  
What is the rationale behind higher applied tariff for 'Lemons and limes, dried' (HS code: 
08055020)?  
 
Reply  
According to the Customs Authority all  dried lemons imported to Oman are exempt from duties.   
Oman will consider this comment and will review the tariff customs website.   
 
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.1 Incentives  
Paragraph 3.59, Page 16  
"More recently, Royal Decree No. 23/2019 promulgated the Excise Tax Law, in accordance with the 
GCC Excise Tax Agreement of 2016, which applies to both locally produced and imported goods."  
 
EU Question N°3  
We understand that the GCC is undergoing a study concerning the excise tax wit h the 
potential to move towards a sugar volume tax. We would like to ask Oman, if there is a 
timeline for the results of the study. If yes, does Oman plan to move towards to the new 
system for taxing carbonated drinks?  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Reply  
Any details of amendments to t he excise tax rate will be announced once there is an agreement 
among the GCC  states and a formal resolution is passed.  
 
3.3.2 Standards and other technical requirements  
 
EU Question N°4  
Since May 2021 a number of shipments of olive oil have been blocked d ue to a technical 
regulation implemented that required additives to fortify cooking oils and has been 
applied to oil (not in line with GCC standards and the international codex). What can Oman 
do to resolve this issue?  
 
Reply  
1- The Ministry of Commerce, Indu stry & investment promotion (MOCIIP) issued the Ministerial 
Decision No. 49/2010 concerning food fortification in 2010 which is applicable to all oils 
including the olive oil.  
2-  Food fortification is different to food additives according to International standards.  
3- The Directorate General of Standards & Metrology (DGSM) vision as well as GCC is to prepare 
specifications that comply with international standards, however, this tec hnical regulation 
was prepared to meet the health requirements of the community with the cooperation of 
stakeholders.  
4- MOCIIP has resolved shipments which have been blocked in cooperation with the concerned 
Government authority and importing companies.  
 
Paragraph 3.64, Page 47  
"All mandatory standards in Oman apply equally to locally produced and imported products. 
Mandatory standards apply mainly on food products, construction material, toys, cosmetics, and 
motor vehicles."  
 
EU Question N°5  
Could Oman plea se specify why it adopts mandatory standards in relevant areas such as 
toys, cosmetics and motor vehicles?  
 
Reply  
There are additional requirements for some products obtaining Gulf Conformity Mark such as power 
strips and plugs that are enforced to obtain a Quality Mark. In addition, these are national 
requirements additional to the Gulf Conformity Mark – which is mandatory for appliances, electrical 
devices and children's toys. Products applying the Quality Mark are granted Gulf Conformity Mark in 
one single procedure when fulfilling the requirement.  
 
EU Question N°6  
Has Oman considered making the mandatory standards voluntary in line with the TBT 
Agreement or alternatively transforming the mandatory standards into technical 
regulations with similar requirements as those found in the standards?  
 
Reply  
 
The standards were adopting due to several different factors, the most important of which is the 
risk. Also due to our commitment to membership in the Gulf Standardization Organization   (GSO) we 
apply the technical gulf regulations in products such as the: toys, motor vehicles and electrical 
equipment and appliance. As for cosmetics products, which have safety requirements, its wide 
spread and direct impact on health  . 
 
3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosani tary requirements  
Paragraph 3.72, Page 48  
"The National Enquiry Point and Information Centre is the national enquiry point under the WTO SPS 
Agreement. The Directorate General of Animal Wealth (DGAW) and the Directorate General of 
Agricultural Developmen t (DGAD), under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, 
are the authorities on SPS matters including food safety and plant and animal health. No specific 
trade concern has been raised about Oman's SPS measures. In 2017, the GCC countrie s started to 
apply the GCC Guide for Control of Imported Foods to ensure that all imported food complies with 
the GCC regulations and requirements."  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 16 - 
 
   
EU Question N°7  
a) Could Oman inform whether it applies the GCC Guide for Control of Imported Foods 
for all foods within the scope of this GCC Guide. If not or only partially applied, 
please could Oman inform for which areas different import conditions apply than 
those laid down in the GCC Guide and clarify these different import conditions?  
 
Reply  
The GCC Guide  for control of imported food was approved 6/2021 voluntary for a period of two years 
as a guide . 
 
b) Could Oman provide a web link were all SPS related import conditions of Oman 
applicable to agri -food can be found? Could Oman provide a web link containing 
the steps of the approval procedure that a country needs to follow if it wants to 
export agri -food products to Oman?  
 
Reply  
The authorities on SPS matters including food safety and plant and animal health are:  
 
1- The National Enquiry Point & Information Centre is the national enquiry point under the 
WTO SPS Agreement - the link is  : nepic@business.gov.om  
 
2- The Directorate General of Animal Wealth (DGAW) and the Directorate General of 
Agricultural Dev elopment (DGAD), under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Water 
Resources - the link: is : www.maf.gov.om  
 
3.3.4 Competition policy, consumer protection, and price controls  
Paragraphs 3.79 -3.82, Pages 49 - 50 
Since 2011 Consumer Protection Authority, CPA (prior Public Authority for Consumer Protection) is 
effectively controlling prices. A Ministerial Decision (No. 12/2011) prohibits agents from elevating 
price of products / services prior to approval by the CPA . Not only the local agent has to inform 
about the product and the change in price, but it should explain the reasons why he wants to change 
it and give information about international practices. All the procedure takes a long time to be 
completed and is c harged with high fees.  
 
EU Question N°8  
Is Oman planning to amend the above -mentioned procedure in order to speed up the 
process for the approval by the CPA?  
 
Reply  
The authority has worked on adapting all means in order to reach its desired goals, and use s a 
variety of channels to serve the consumer wherever s/he is and in the fastest way possible. It has 
official accounts on social media platforms to receive consumer complaints and reports, where the 
total number of followers has reached over 1.6 million.  It also operates an website that includes a 
range of consumer -facing services, including consumer complaints and feedback, news updates and 
the authority's weekly bulletin An e -consumer guide application has also been launched for 
smartphones and tablets.  A global commodity price observatory to keep abreast of all international 
developments and technologies has also been established.  
 
3.3.6 Government procurement  
Paragraph 3.88, Page 51  
"After the 2013 amendment, wholly state -owned companies became subjec t to the Tender Law, with 
their internal committees managing the tenders."  
 
EU Question N°9  
How many wholly State Owned Enterprises are registered in Oman and in which sector of 
activity? What share do they account for in the total value of the procurement  market in 
Oman?  
 
Reply  
- The Secretariat report includes state -owned enterprises with the sector of activity.  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 17 - 
 
  - According to Decree No. (60/2013), state -owned companies continue to apply the tender 
law. 
- The question related to total values of the procurement market in Oman is not related to 
TPR. 
 
Paragraph 3.90, Page 52  
"According to the General Secretariat of the Tender Board, tenders can be general (open tender) or 
limited for qualified companies, and both can be either local, for companies regis tered in Oman, or 
international."  
 
EU Question N°10  
Could Oman provide information on the number of public procurement procedures open 
to local companies, companies registered in Oman, international companies for both open 
tender and limited/ qualified ten dering procedures?  
 
Reply  
Tenders can be general (open tender) or limited for qualified companies, and both can be either 
local, for companies registered in Oman, or international. The total amount of tenders awarded was 
OMR 381 million in 2020, OMR 688 mi llion in 2019 and OMR 129 million in 2018. According to the 
Electronic Tendering Services, 8,372 tenders were published as of October 2020.   
 
Paragraph 3.92, Page 52  
"Successful international bidders are required to enrol in the Commercial Registration Dep artment 
of the MOCIIP and become members of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry within 30 
days of award of the contract."  
 
EU Question N°11  
The secretariat report states that successful bidders are subject to a mandatory affiliation 
of foreign bidder  to the Chamber of Commerce. We would like to clarify, if a European 
Union company incorporated in the EU has to be affiliated to the Chamber of Commerce 
even if not incorporated in Oman.  
 
Reply  
Yes, should an EU be awarded a tender in Oman it must be affi liated to the Oman Chamber of 
Commerce & Industry for the duration of the contract.  
 
Paragraph 3.93, Page 52  
"Article 36 of the Tender Law provides that priority must be given to national products of small and 
medium industries that meet required condition s and that a price preference of 10% should be 
granted to the products of Omani SMEs."  
 
EU Question N°12  
a) Could Oman confirm that this scheme applies only to goods and not services and 
works?  
 
b) What are the criteria to benefit from the price preference scheme in term of 
turnover and ownership?  
  
c) Does the Price Preference scheme applicable to all SMEs including foreign bidders?  
 
d) Does it apply to Foreign bidders subsidiaries incorporated in Oman?  
 
Reply  
a) Confirmed.  
b) The SMEs has to have Riyada car d issue by the Authority for SME Development to be 
applicable in the Price Preference.  
c) The Price Preference scheme is not applicable to foreign bidders.  
d) No. 
 
Paragraphs 3.95, Page 52 and 3.38, Page 43  
"3.95. Oman is an observer to the WTO Agreement on Gove rnment Procurement."  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 18 - 
 
  "3.38. In 2014, Oman established the Omani Authority for Partnership for Development (OAPFD), 
which applies international offset contracts. Offset obligations are applied to all large civilian and 
military procurement contracts with fo reign companies and Omani companies where foreign content 
is involved. The OAPFD was merged into the Public Authority for Privatization and Partnership in 
2019, which was then cancelled and transferred to the Ministry of Finance in August 2020."  
 
EU Questi on N°13  
Already during 2014 Trade Policy Review, Oman indicated in its written replies "Oman is 
in the process of preparation for initiating negotiations to accede to the GPA". Could Oman 
inform about the status of Oman's accession to WTO GPA accession.  
 
Reply  
Oman will inform WTO Members when it is ready to begin GPA negotiations.  
 
EU Question N°14  
How Oman assesses the compatibility of the offset policy adopted in 2014 and the 
accession to the WTO GPA?  
 
Reply  
Oman is not yet a member in GPA.  
 
EU Question N°15  
Could Oman inform about the medium - and long -term plans for ICV policy, about the legal 
base on which it will be based on? Could Oman also confirm and explain the specific 
obligations international companies bidding for projects will have to face relating to the 
use of local components?  
 
Reply  
The ICV is covered under the provisions of Paragraph 8(a) of Article III of the GATT  
1994. 
 
Paragraph 3.92, Page 52  
"Under Article 18 of the Law, tender notices should be published early in time in a "widely circulated 
Arabic and English language newspaper", and possibly online."  
 
EU Question N°16  
Could Oman provide specify what the share of procurement procedures through Oman e -
procurement system is and what the share of tenders published in English i s?  
 
Reply  
According to the Electronic Tendering Services, 8,372 tenders were published as of October 2020.  
 
3.3.7 Intellectual property rights (IPRs)  
3.3.7.2 Patents  
Paragraph 3.100, Page 54  
"Under Royal Decree No. 67/2008, an invention is patentable if it is new, involves an inventive step, 
and is industrially applicable. Excluded from patentability are discoveries, scientific theories, 
mathematical methods, and pure mental activities. Patent  protection on pharmaceutical products, 
agricultural chemicals, and other inventions is also provided under the Decree."  
 
EU Question N°17  
Could Oman clarify the interpretation of their patentability conditions as regards with the 
TRIPS Agreement requirem ents, notably Article 27?  
 
Reply  
It is in conformity with article 27 of the TRIPS Agreement.  
 
Paragraph 3.101, Page 54  
"Under GCC rules, a patent needs to be exploited on a sufficient industrial scale in a GCC Member 
State within three years from the date of grant."  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 19 - 
 
  EU Question N°18  
Would it be possible to clarify the interpretation of the provision regarding geographical 
exploitation criteria in GCC, notably in the context of the GCC Patent Office closure?  
 
Reply  
Currently, for protection each applic ation has to filing in each GCC individual.  
 
3.3.7.3 Copyright and related rights  
Paragraph 3.110, Page 55  
"Table 3.11 shows the evolution of copyright applications since 2016. The authorities indicate that 
applications now are generally submitted electron ically."  
 
EU Question N°19  
Are copyright applications compulsory to benefit from the copyright protection? Is this 
provision compatible with Article 5(2) of the Berne Convention prohibiting formalities?  
 
Reply  
The Law of copyright and related rights No. 65 /2008 does not include provisions for compulsory 
protections on copyright.   
 
EU Question N°20  
Does Oman legislation provide for limitations on liability for intermediary service 
suppliers?  
 
3.3.7.4 Trademarks  
Paragraph 3.111, Page 55  
"In 2017, Oman ratified the GCC Trademark Law119, thus marking its commitment to a regional 
harmonization of IP legislation. However, as of 2020, Oman has yet to publish the executive 
regulations putting this law into practice."  
 
EU Question N°21  
When does Oman plan to a dopt the executive regulations in order to implement the GCC 
trademark Law?  
 
Reply  
The adoption of the executive regulation for the GCC Trade Mark Law is in the process of internal 
procedures.  
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.4.3.2.1 Road transport  
Paragraphes 4.107 – 4.112, Page 75 -76  
 
EU Question N°22  
Has Oman any plans to develop the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Cooperative 
Intelligent Transport Systems (C -ITS) and sustainable transport, encourage 
multimodality and develop not only physic al but also digital infrastructure?  
 
Reply  
Recently the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) has given special attention to the road and land 
transport sector. For instance, Mwasalat the government owned public transportation company is 
implementing phases of the ITS which consists of passenger information system, vehicle information 
system, tracking and monitoring of buses and app for passengers. Moreover, The Ministry of 
Transport, Communications & Information Technology (MOTCIT) is currently working on st udies for 
electronic road toll payment and Weigh - In-Motion (WIM) truck scales. Other government 
organizations such as the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has an emergency management and traffic 
system. However, the C -ITS will be a future plan for Oman.  
 
Regardin g sustainable transport, the MOTCIT supports the move towards more sustainable mode of 
transport by encouraging more bus routes and smart applications projects (taxi and freight Apps).     
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 20 - 
 
  WT/TPR/G/418 – Report by Oman  
 
2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  
2.3 Privati zation  
Paragraph 2.20, Page 6  
"2.20. The privatization process has progressed in the electricity sector, in the power and related 
water sector, in the telecommunications sector, in the transport sector, and wastewater and 
hazardous waste sectors."  
 
EU Question N°23  
Since Oman is privatizing several sectors, including transport, does the Government have 
any plan to privatize the maritime transport services as well? In the affirmative, what 
companies will it privatize? Will the Oman Shipping Company (OSC) be privatized?  
 
Reply  
Currently, no. Any plan for privatizations will be announced.   
 
7 SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT   
7.4 Trade Policy Objectives  
Paragraph 7.14, Page 11  
"Services are an important and growing sector of Oman's economy. It comprises mainly banking 
and financial services, telecommunication services, tourism, and related services and business 
services."  
 
EU Question N°24  
In light of the growing importance of s ervices sector, does Oman intend to join the WTO 
Joint Statement Initiative on services domestic regulation?  
 
Reply  
Oman is following closely the progress being made towards the Joint Statement Initiatives on 
services domestic regulation and is still in the process of assessing the advantages of joining such 
an initiative.  
 
III- Other Questions  
 
ILO Fundamental Conventions  
In the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work (2019), ILO members unanimously 
committed themselves to work towards ratificat ion of outstanding ILO fundamental conventions and 
periodically consider, in consultation with employers and workers' organizations, the ratification of 
other ILO standards. We have to note that no progress regarding ratification of the fundamental ILO 
Conventions by Oman has been recently seen: 1) No 87 - Freedom of Association and Protection of 
the Right to Organise, 2) No 98 - Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, No 100 - 
Equal Remuneration Convention and 3) No 111 - Discrimination - Employment and Occupation 
Convention).  
 
EU Question N° 25 
Could Oman give an update about latest developments towards ratification of the fundamental ILO 
Conventions mentioned above as well as about the recent steps on the ratification of other ILO 
standard s? 
 
Reply  
The question in its present form is not relevant to any WTO provision. It is not relevant to Trade 
Policy Review.  
 
 
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 21 - 
 
  ICELAND  
Question 1 : What is the participation of women in the economy of Oman?  
 
Reply  
Nowadays, women in Oman work in a wide variety of sectors, among others, the armed forces, 
police, local and international companies, technology, medicine, finance, education, sport, the arts 
and more. They are representatives in the Majilis a'Shura (The Parliament) and Majilis a'Dawla (the 
State Council), and hold leading government positions in Oman and abroad – the Ministers of 
Education; Higher Education, Research & Innovation; and Soc ial Development are women.  
 
Question 2 : Have specific barriers that limit women's participation in trade been identified?  
 
Reply  
There are no barriers preventing women's participation in Oman's public or private sectors.  
 
Question 3 : Has Oman implemented any specific measures to encourage women's participation in 
trade and promote women's entrepreneurship, or are such measures being developed?  
 
Reply  
Yes, Article 21 of the Basic Statute of the State "Constitution" stipulates: "Citizens are all the same 
before the law, equal in public rights and duties and are not to be discriminated against based on 
gender."   
 
Oman has created a number of public organizations designed to support women's participation in 
economic life, including : The Authority for SME Development, Royal Decree No. 36/2013, Al Raffd 
Fund, Royal Decree No.6/2013 and The Public Authority for Craft Industries, Royal Decree 24/2003.  
 
The Authority for SME Development  aims to strengthen the role of Omani SMEs, helping create 
sustainable employment opportunities for young Omani male and female entrepreneurs.  
 
Al Raffd Fund was launched in 2013 to financially empower and support young male and female 
entrepreneurs. To date, the Fund has disbursed more than 2,500 loans, v alued at over RO99 million 
(USD  256 million) and created in excess of 4,000 direct jobs, 35.3% of which have been filled by 
women.  
 
The Committee of Women Entrepreneurs at Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI) is 
chaired by a woman. Three women OCCI B oard members are also represented in the committee. 
Under ministerial decision 4/2011 issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment 
Promotion women are allowed to conduct a range of home -based businesses.  
 
Question 4 : Are the effects of trade policy on women and men measured and monitored, and if so 
how? 
 
Reply  
As mentioned earlier, there are no barriers to women conducting business in Oman. The government 
closely monitors and measures trade policies for the benefit of businesspeople of b oth genders.  
 
 
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 22 - 
 
  INDIA  
QUESTIONS BASED ON GOVERNMENT REPORT  
 
Page 6  
 
2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  
2.3 Privatization  
 
2.20. The privatization process has progressed in the electricity sector, in the power and related 
water sector, in the telecommunications sector, in the transport sector, and wastewater and 
hazardous waste sectors.  
 
Questions:  
1. Are there any restrictions for foreign owned private or government companies in these sectors 
in terms of participation in privatization process?  
 
Reply  
The Government seeks to approach privatization in a meaningful and structured manner  
taking into consideration all relevant factors, internal and external, any privatizations process would 
be announced in due course.   
 
Page 9  
 
Paragraph 6.7  
  
1. Can Oman explain why there is a higher bound tariff for agricultural products?  
 
Reply  
The higher bound tariff for Agriculture products is in conformity with Oman commitments which in 
Schedule of concessions and commitments on tariffs   
 
Page 10  
 
6 TRADE POLICY DEVELOPMENT  
6.5 Exports Subsidies and TRIMs  
 
6.17. Oman does provide domestic subsidi es to industries in the form of soft loans by Oman 
Development Bank. However, these are non -specific, available to all industries and all enterprises.  
 
Questions:  
1. What are the criteria and valuation of subsidies provided in the form of soft loans by Oman 
Development Bank?  
 
Reply  
Soft Loans by Development Bank needed for establishment of new industries, for balancing and 
modernization of existing industries, for expansion of capacity etc.  
 
QUESTIONS BASED ON REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT  
 
Page 31  
 
Paragraph 2.50  
 
1. Are the incentives granted to different entities WTO Compatible?  
 
Reply  
The question is not clear  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 23 - 
 
  Page 35  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.1 Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  
 
3.1. Since 2003, Oman has been applying the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Common Customs 
Law and its Rules of Implementation and Explanatory Notes, through Royal Decree No. 67/2003. 
Under the "single port of entry" principle, items imported into Oman, or any other GCC member 
State, and destined for another GCC market, are subject to customs duty only at the first point of 
entry into the GCC. In 2015, the GCC published the Unified Guide for Customs Procedures.  
 
3.2. According to Oman's Customs Service, all imports above OMR 1,000 must be accompanied by: 
(i) a copy of the invoice; (ii) a packing list; (iii) a bill of lading if applicable; (iv) a document 
containing a detailed description of the cargo; and (v) an i mport declaration and form for clearing 
and classification. In addition, restricted goods need approval from the relevant authority (Section 
3.1.5).  
 
3.4. In June 2015, Oman launched Bayan, an import and export reporting and management 
electronic system, to improve the efficiency of its customs procedures. The Royal Oman Police lists 
30 objectives of the Bayan system, notably to reinforce controls over security, health, and 
environment issues; connect all entities via a single electronic window; decrease t rade costs; and 
encourage investment. An importer, an exporter, or their agent can authorize and clear goods 
through the Bayan system. According to the state -owned logistics conglomerate Asyad, this has 
reduced average clearance time for imports to 7 hours  (compared to 47 hours for the GCC). 
Clearance time is normally less than 2 hours at seaports, less than 4 hours at airports, and less than 
10 hours at land borders.  
3.10. In mid -2019, the Royal Oman Police introduced a new advance rulings programme, in 
accordance with Oman's Logistics Strategy 2040. Advance rulings can be requested with regard to 
tariff classification, customs valuation, or rules of origin. Advance rulings are binding throughout the 
customs territory at all customs offices and valid for a  specific period.  
 
Questions:  
1. Which authority in Oman is responsible to implement Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Common 
Customs Law and its Rules of Implementation and Explanatory Notes? Where can we find the 
details of it? Is there any centralized data an d information base with Oman where detailed 
procedures and rules can be accessed? Does Oman have any procedural requirements and rules 
in addition to GCC?  
 
Reply  
The Directorate General of Customs is responsible to implement GCC Common Customs Law and its 
rules of implementation and explanatory notes. All the details available in the following website:  
https://www.customs.gov.om   
 
2. Is there any system which can provide the list of restricted goods which require additional 
approval? Which authority in Oman can provide the details on approved and restricted goods 
and their respective criteria based on which they are restricted? What are the qualifications for 
approval given by the relevant authority? Is it centralized?  
 
Reply  
Yes, Oman Customs using an electr onic single window environment linking all regulatory  agencies 
and parties involved  in a trade transaction.  
For restricted  goods, all the import permits are issued through the Bayan System electronic  window.  
Issuance of permits: Upon receiving through the Bayan system a request for an import permit, the 
competent authority has to review the request and respond within a period not exceeding 24 hours. 
After this period, the system automatically issues the permit, and the permit applicant is notified via 
e-mail and phone text message.  
 
3. Is Royal Oman Police responsible for Bayan System? What are the requirements under this 
system especially regarding security, health, and environment issues? Where can we find the 
details of the authority and procedure involved i n this system? Are there any benefits given to 
GCC members or any other group or countries under this system?  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 24 - 
 
  Reply  
Yes, Royal Oman Police (Directorate General of Customs) responsible  for Bayan System.  
 nothing is required more than  issuing permits for restricted goods.   
Bayan System consists of an electronic single window environment linking all regulatory agencies 
and parties involved  in trade transactions.  
 
4. What are these advance rulings? Where can we find the details of these rulings?  
 
Reply  
a. Classification of Goods According to Customs Tariff  
Classification of goods is important in determining the customs duty imposed on such goods. In this 
framework, Coding and Categorization System for commodities is used for approved customs 
purposes on the  basis of the Harmonized System put in place by the World Customs Organization. 
The classification of tariff has considerable bearing on the revenue of business community. Tax rates 
imposed on the imported goods relates to the type of customs classificatio n of commodities. 
Therefore, most of the requests relating to advance rulings are associated with the classification of 
tariff.  
 
b. Rules of Origin  
Rules of origin include approved standards for determining the origin country of commodities and 
are of prim e importance, particularly when it comes to the application of the provisions of the 
preferential treatment agreements between nations. Rules of origin relate to the particular standards 
that determine the country of origin on basis of its entire productio n, by adding components that 
alter the origin of commodities, by introducing an industrial transformation that modifies their 
classification or other approved standards. The advance ruling including rules of origin lies in that 
furnishing the Customs with the certificate of origin does not suffice for classification of commodities. 
The responsibility for the decision on their final classification rests with the importing country. 
Advance rulings made under the rules of origin constitute an appropriate tool for giving clarity and 
certainty with regard to the treatment by the importing country in determining the origin of 
commodities prior to carrying out the importation and exportation process.  
 
c. Valuation of Goods for Customs Purposes  
Valuation of commodit ies for customs purposes constitutes an important stage in determining their 
due customs duties upon importation and exportation. In determining the value of commodities for 
customs purposes, the Directorate General of Customs depends on several methods pu rsuant to the 
provisions of the WTO Agreement on Valuation. With the potential difficulties in this field, advance 
rulings pertinent to customs valuation constitutes an effective method in facilitating trade by 
assisting in clarifying the standards of cust oms valuation of a particular commodity and preparing 
necessary documents in proof of the validity of the value of such commodity  
 
Page 39  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
3.1.3.4 Tariff exemptions and concessions  
 
3.24. Oman grants tariff exemptions on raw materials, machinery, and equipment imported for local 
production under the Local and GCC Industries Laws. In addi tion, duty concessions may be granted 
to certain industries or companies on imports necessary for their operational use. No information 
was available on the value of duties forgone on private sector imports resulting from these 
exemptions.  
 
Questions:  
1. Which all industries are getting duty concessions? Are these specific subsidies as defined in 
Article 2 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM)?  
 
Reply  
Oman do not grant any specific subsidies as defined in article 2 of the agreement on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures.  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 25 - 
 
  Page 40  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
 
3.27. Under the GCC Common Customs Law, each GCC member State determines its own list of 
prohibited or restricted products, although members are developing a common list. Imports that are 
prohibited in some GCC member States and permitted in others can onl y be imported from the latter 
and must not transit through the States in which they are prohibited.  
 
3.28. Oman has yet to provide a list of import prohibitions and restrictions according to the 2012 
Decision on Notification Procedures for Quantitative Re strictions.  
 
Questions:  
1. Please elaborate on the list of products prohibited under GCC Common Customs Law and Oman's 
own list of restricted and prohibited products. Please provide the details on the logistics and 
transit procedures and requirements regardi ng such products. Are the criteria to decide these 
restrictions in compliance with WTO? Can Oman provide the details of the criteria based on GCC 
laws and those in addition to it for all such products.  
 
Reply  
- Directorate general of standard and metrology i s the authority in Oman can provide the 
details on approved and restricted goods, the criteria to be restricted based on product risk. 
The qualifications for approval is certificate of conformity from one of the local certification 
bodies registered only w ith the accreditation department in DGSM OR from GSO certification 
bodies (Low Voltage electrical equipment's, Toys, tyers and vehicles)  
 
- Under the GCC Common Customs Law, each GCC member State determines its own list of 
prohibited or restricted products, although members are developing a common list. Imports 
that are prohibited in some GCC member States and permitted in others can only be 
imported from the latter and must not transit through the States in which they are 
prohibited.  
 
- restricted products ma y transit the territory of members that restrict their import, with the 
appropriate documentation.  
 
- Oman operates import prohibitions for reasons of human, plant, and animal health; public 
morals; environment; and security , which are in conformity with WTO provisions.  
 
- The secretariat report is including the details of restricted & prohibited products  
 
2. Which authority deals with trade restrictions in Oman? Please provide the details on Quantitative 
Restrictions. Which all s ectors or industries are presently applying them? What is the valuation 
and justification behind them?  
 
Reply  
- Oman hasn't apply Quantitative restrictions.   
 
Page 42  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.6 Anti -dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures  
 
3.33. Oman notified the WTO in 2015 that it had ratified the GCC Amended Common Law on Anti -
Dumping, Countervailing and Safeguards through Royal Decree No.  20/2015. Article 8 of the 2001 
Economic Agreement between the GCC States already called upon GCC member States to unify their 
legislation related to anti -dumping. Oman adopted the GCC Treaty provisions on contingency trade 
remedies through Royal Decree No . 20/2015 and its Implementing Regulations through Ministerial 
Decision No. 315/2015.  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 26 - 
 
  Questions:  
1. Which authority in Oman administers GCC Amended Common Law on Anti -Dumping, 
Countervailing and Safeguards? Are there any laws and rules in addition to GCC? Wha t are the 
administrative rules and procedure related to them in Oman?  
 
Reply  
- The Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion   is the authority in Oman 
handling the issues of the GCC trade remedies through the GCC Permanent Committee and 
the GCC Industrial Ministerial Committee. according to the GCC Common Law on Anti -
dumping, Countervailing and Safeguard Measures, the final decis ions be taken by the GCC 
Ministerial Committee.  
- Oman does not implement law or administrative rules in addition to GCC.  
 
Page 43  
 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.1 Customs procedures and requirements  
 
3.39. Exports need to be accompanied by the following documentation: (i) a copy of the export 
invoice; (ii) a packing list; (iii) the application letter for the export of used or personal  
Belongings issued by the employer (for foreigners only); (iv) the import declaration; and (v)  the 
form for clearing and classifying goods according to the Customs procedure. In addition, companies 
exporting restricted goods need to be registered to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and 
Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) and provide an approval from th e relevant authority. Specific 
requirements apply for re -exportation.  
 
Questions:  
1. Is there any centralized relevant authority of Oman which deals with the export and import 
requirements including approvals?  
 
Reply  
The Directorate General of Customs in coop eration with Government Authorities.  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.3 Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
 
3.41. Oman prohibits exports of antiques, ancient manuscripts, and Maria Theresa thalers (historic 
rials). Export restrictions apply to date palms and seedlings, and to specific species of fish and 
molluscs in cases of over -exploitation, notably during bre eding seasons. Ministerial Decisions No. 
395/2019 and No. 134/2020 also prohibited the export of raw marble and Omani goat and sheep 
breeds respectively. In the wake of the COVID -19 crisis, the Directorate General of Pharmacy and 
Drug Control banned the ex port of masks and hand sanitizers. In addition, export permits are needed 
for locally mined or quarried products.  
 
Questions:  
1. Do the restrictions still continue? How are these export restrictions WTO compatible (GATT 
Article XI)?  
 
Reply  
Oman confirmed tha t any export control requirements are fully consistent with WTO provisions, 
including those contained in Articles XI, XVII, XX and XXI of the GATT  1994 
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 27 - 
 
  Page 44  
 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.3 Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
 
3.42. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources announced in April 2020 that 
exporters of livestock should get a permit from the Ministry and enclose a copy of the import permit 
for livestock from the importing country.  
 
Questio ns: 
1. Does the requirement of copy of import permit applies to all the livestock products? Please 
provide the details of the requirements from the importing country. What are the justifications?  
 
Reply  
Yes, the requirement applies to all the livestock products.  
 
Page 45  
 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.4 Export support and promotion  
 
3.49. According to the authorities, no distinction is made between locally and foreign -owned 
companies with respect to access to the free zones or bon ded warehouses. Custom duties of 5% of 
the value of goods apply to goods imported into a free zone and then exiting the free zone towards 
Oman or another GCC country.  
 
Questions:  
1. What is procedure to apply for the license at free zones? What are the requi rements and details 
for the license? Is the custom duty of 5% in accordance with the GCC laws? provide details. 
Elaborate "authorities" involved in this, especially in Oman.  
 
Reply  
- The procedures are available in the following website: https://www.opaz.gov.om/   
 
- Yes, the customs duty of 5% is in accordance with the GCC laws.  
 
- The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones   is the responsible authority  
 
Page 47 -48 
 
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.2 Standards and other technical requirements  
 
3.64. All mandatory standards in Oman apply equally to locally produced and imported products. 
Mandatory standards apply mainly on food products, construction material, toys, cosmetics, and 
motor vehicles. Compliance of imported goods is verified by the cu stoms authorities. Non -food 
products are allowed automatic entry on the basis of a Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity 
Assessment Certificate, supported by a test report verified by the DGSM; in parallel, some samples 
are collected unless a mutual rec ognition agreement is in place. Imported products that are not 
covered by certificates are released temporarily and their samples tested. Oman has concluded 
mutual recognition agreements with the Kingdom of Bahrain, Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, 
Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.  
 
3.66. Labels must be in Arabic or Arabic and English, although during the pandemic the MOCIIP 
temporarily waived the Arabic requirement in April 2020. Food labels must contain  product names, 
production and expiry dates, country of origin, name and address of the manufacturer, net contents 
in metric units, list of ingredients and additives in descending order of importance, lot identification, 
and instructions for storage and us e (where applicable). Products shipped in bulk should conform to 
GSO labelling requirements.  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 28 - 
 
  3.67. For meat and poultry products, Oman requires slaughtering according to Islamic halal 
procedures. Packaged fresh or frozen meat and poultry must also carry the following information in 
Arabic: country of origin, production (slaughtering or freezing) a nd expiry dates, shelf life of the 
product, metric net weight, and product identification. Pre -packaged processed meat and poultry 
must be accompanied by production and expiry dates, as well as the net weight of the product.  
 
3.69. All precious metals, je wellery, and gemstones, whether imported or locally produced, must be 
hallmarked under Royal Decree No. 109/2000. The DGSM is responsible for assaying of precious 
metals and testing of gemstones, as well as providing quality controls, certification, and ha llmarking 
of gold jewellery.  
 
3.71. Cosmetic products should not have labels that are inconsistent with Islamic traditions and 
social values, and parts of the labels must be translated into Arabic. The relevant norm for cosmetics 
is GSO standard No. 1943/2 021. For simple fertilizers, complex compounds, and soil improvers, the 
relevant legislation on labelling is the GCC Law of Fertilizers and Agricultural Soil Improvers.  
 
Questions:  
1. India would like to know the details of all the mandatory standards, the a uthorities involved, 
and the requirements regarding all the products especially food products, construction material, 
toys, cosmetics, and motor vehicles. What is the procedure for Manufacturer's Declaration of 
Conformity Assessment Certificate? Please pro vide the details of it. What are the criteria and 
procedure for mutual recognition agreement? If after the temporary release, products are not 
found in conformity with the standards in sample testing, what is the procedure afterwards for 
such products?  
 
Reply 
Food Safety and Quality Center is responsible about food products, Mandatory standards for 
Construction Materials OS 4:77 fines aggregate from neutral resources, OS 2:01 aggregate from 
neutral resources, OS 7:01 OPC, GSO ISO 6935 -1,2,3:15 Reinforcement  Steel, BS 4999:05 
Reinforcement Steel, BS197 -1:11 Cement, EN 12811 -1 Scaffoldings, OS 197:2020 Emulsion paints 
OS 240:2020 Enamel paints, GSO ISO 13006:18 Ceramic tiles, ISO 20345:11 & ASTM F2413:18 
Safety shoes, Toys Technical Regulation no. BD -131704 -01, Cosmetics GSO 1943, OS 42:03 & OS 
48:84 motor vehicles Certificate of conformity is required from one of the local certification bodies 
registered only with the accreditation department in DGSM OR from GSO certification bodies There 
is no mutual recognit ion agreement For the products are not found in conformity with the standards 
after the temporary release either re -exported to the country of origin or damage the products.  
 
2. Is the waiver regarding Arabic label still continuing?  
 
Reply  yes.  
 
3. Is there any  centralized system which can provide the details regarding the requirement of meat 
and poultry products industry, precious metals, jwellery and gems industry and cosmetics 
products industry? Especially in regards with Islamic traditions and social values in Oman?  
 
Reply  
The Directorate General of Standards & Metrology with cooperation with stockholder's authorities.  
 
Page 50  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.4 Competition policy, consumer protection, and price controls  
 
3.82. Certain products, such as gas, petroleum, electricity, and water, as well as some services (e.g. 
telecommunications), may be subject to price controls when sold for household use. In  general, the 
Government sets maximum prices for these goods and services, and the companies adjust their 
prices accordingly. On petroleum products, however, Oman moved in 2016 from a fixed price to a WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 29 - 
 
  monthly adjusted price based on international prices, r esulting in a significant increase. In December 
2020, Oman announced that electricity subsidies for big non -residential consumers, including 
industrial and government entities, would be removed by January 2021. Support will continue to be 
granted to eligib le low -income consumers under a new subsidy plan targeted to poorer households. 
Personal and housing loans are subject to an interest rate ceiling set by the Central Bank of Oman 
(CBO).  
 
Questions:  
1. Does the price control apply only for household usage? Do es it affect the adjusted price based 
on international prices for petroleum products? How does government set the maximum prices?  
 
Reply  
Yes, the price control applies for household usage.  
 
Page 52  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3 Measures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.6 Government procurement  
 
3.91. Under the Tender Law, public tender is the main method for procurement of goods and 
services. For specific circumstances, four other methods apply: (i) restricted tender to specific 
suppli ers, contractors, or consultants within or outside the Sultanate; (ii) direct assignment; (iii) 
negotiation under specific conditions with the bidder of the lowest bid; and (iv) competition for the 
purpose of conducting studies or preparing designs, layout s, models, or other technical works 
required for a specific project. Restricted tendering applies to tenders of a special nature with pre -
qualified bidders. Direct assignments are allowed in four situations: (i) special cases (not specified); 
(ii) when a c ontract is awarded to another government office, organization, or company; (iii) 
assignment with a supplier, contractor, or consultancy, if the value of the contract does not exceed 
OMR 10,000; or (iv) in the case of urgency, with a supplier, contractor, o r consultancy, if the value 
of the contract does not exceed OMR 25,000.  
 
3.93. Article 36 of the Tender Law provides that priority must be given to national products of small 
and medium industries that meet required conditions and that a price preference of 10% should be 
granted to the products of Omani SMEs. An extension of th is preference to SMEs from other GCC 
countries is currently under consideration. The authorities indicate that, in practice, a 5% preference 
is already applied.  
 
Questions:  
1. Which all sectors or industries are restricted for international tender? Is there any data on 
valuation of the benefit given to Omani SMEs based on 10% price preferences? Is this for any 
specific sectors? Is this benefit in addition to the 5% preference that already applies?  
 
Reply  
The data on valuation of the benefit to Omani SME S is not related to TPR.  
10 % price preferences are for Omani SMEs.  
 
Page 59  
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture and Fisheries  
 
4.11. Fisheries, as one of the five priority sectors identified in the National Programme for Enhancing 
Economic Diversi fication (also known as the Tanfeedh programme), began to grow during the review 
period. The sector policy is defined in the National Fisheries Development Strategy (2013 -2020), 
with an aim of enhancing production, increasing the sector's efficiency, and p rotecting natural 
resources. Priorities in the Strategy include ensuring fish supply for local demand, improving the 
usage of fish reserves, and encouraging private investment in maritime and aquaculture industries.  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 30 - 
 
  Questions:  
1. How much support, specific or non -specific, is provided towards the fisheries sector in the review 
period?  
2. What is the value of specific and non -specific fuel subsidies given to fisheries sector?  
 
Reply  
The fisheries subsidies negotiations are still ongoing. However, Oman is pleased to share the 
following responses to questions 1 and 2.  
 
1. During the period under review Oman provided some support to the fisheries sector in the form 
of purchasing equipment that enables better monitoring of IUU. Some support was also provided t o 
qualifying artisanal fisher folk to modernize their fishing boats and equipment to limit bycatch, 
reduce fuel consumption and the negative impact on the environment. We do not have precise 
figures at hand but relevant authorities are working to compile m ore details.  
 
2. Oman does not provide specific fuel subsidies to the fisheries sector. Given that non -specific 
subsidies not included in SCM Article 3 are outside the purview of the SCM Agreement, no 
assessment has been made in that regard.  
 
Page 63  
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.2 Mining and Energy  
4.2.2 Hydrocarbons  
 
4.33. Pursuant to the Oil and Gas Law, international oil companies usually sign EPSAs, as a 
concessionaire, with the MEM. Under the EPSAs, oil and condensate may be sold on the open market , 
but all gas production must be sold to the Government. As part of the national strategy, the MEM 
tries to diversify bidders for concession licences from the traditional sources. The MEM held licences 
bidding rounds in 2016 and 2019. As of end 2020, a tot al of 32 companies were operating in 
concession blocks throughout the Sultanate; alongside PDO and Occidental Oman, international oil 
companies from Asia and Europe are present in Oman. Concessionaires are subject to 55% of income 
tax and 15% of corporate tax. 
 
Questions:  
1. What is the proportion of oil and condensate that is sold on the open market out of total? What 
is the value of it?  
 
Reply  
Oman does not sell crude oil and condensate separately, Oman sells a blended product branded as 
'Oman Export Blend C rude Oil', production from different fields within Oman are blended into one 
main oil line then into the open market. Therefore, the value is in the quality of the blend rather 
than oil or condensate independently. The Oman Export Blend Crude Oil is catego rized as a medium 
sour grade, hence considered as a crude oil.   
 
2. What are the criteria to decide how much is to be sold to the government and does it take global 
demand into consideration?  
 
Reply  
Despite Oman being not a member in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), 
however in the last 5 years, Oman took part in the coalition lead by OPEC+ countries to help maintain 
global supply/demand balance equilibrium, which takes into co nsideration all market conditions 
including global demand, global supply, macroeconomics of major consuming countries, commercial 
stock levels, global GDP growth etc.    
 
Page 64  
 
4.41. With regard to the retail market, the fixed -price policy for fuels was abolished in January 2016; 
now prices for fuels are set and adjusted monthly by a government committee reflecting the changes 
in international prices. The profit margins of retail ers are still fixed by the Government. The major WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 31 - 
 
  retailers are Al Maha Petroleum Products Marketing Company, Oman Oil Marketing Company, and 
Shell Oman Marketing Company.  
 
Questions:  
1. Does Oman provide non -specific fuels subsidies to the various sectors?  
 
Reply  Yes  
 
Page 74  
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.4 Services  
4.4.3 Transport  
4.4.3.1 Maritime transport  
 
4.98. Maritime transport services may be provided by the private sector (national and foreign). 
There is no requirement that goods directly or indirectly imported into Oman by government 
agencies or public enterprises must be transported by Omani -flagged v essels on designated shipping 
routes where such vessels are available. Freight and passenger transport charges are market -
determined. Cabotage is not allowed.  
 
Questions:  
1. Are there any benefits or subsidies given on the usage of Omani flagged vessels, spe cifically in 
case of joint venture between foreign owned private company and local Omani government or 
private company?  
 
Reply  
According to Oman schedules on services commitments Oman is obliged to The following services 
at the port are made available to international maritime transport suppliers on non -discriminatory 
terms and conditions:  
1) Pilotage  
2) Towing and tug assistance  
3) Provisioning, fuelling and watering  
4) Garbage collecting and ballast waste disposal  
5) Port Captain's services  
6) Navigation aids  
7) Shore -based operational services essential to ship operations including communications, water 
and electrical supplies.  
8) Emergency repair facilities.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 32 - 
 
  INDIA – ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  
Questions based on Government Report (WT/TPR/G/418)  
 
Background:  
Page 3, Paragraph 1.10: Based on the Royal Decree No. 97/2020 to amend the name of the Ministry 
of Commerce and Industry to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Investment Promotion 
and determine its terms of reference and adopt its organizational structure, according to four axes: 
serving the provinces and meeting the needs of their citizens, improving the qua lity of services 
through digital transformation, granting the powers to operational departments to achieve 
decentralization, and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the national economy.  
 
Questions:  
1. Kindly give details of activities/proposa ls/programs being undertaken/envisaged under the axes, 
'improving the quality of services through digital transformation'   
 
Reply  
Facilitating investment in Oman is Invest Easy  introduced in 2013. This is the Ministry of Commerce, 
Industry & Investment Promotion's (MoCIIP) one -stop-shop portal for  registering new businesses, 
reducing procedures and time to complete investor transactions. Today, via Invest Easy , investors 
can obt ain approval for more than 1,500 different economic activities – that is about 88% of all total 
economic activities - issuing one single document that includes all licenses and approvals from 
ten leading authorities. Since the launch of the new licensing a pproval service in April 2021, nearly 
54,000 applicants have already received automatic approvals.  
 
In addition to Invest Easy portal, MoCIIP also has launched Invest in Oman - an online platform 
designed to promote investment opportunities in the Sultanate. The platform provides a complete 
package of electronic services, coverage of the most important investment opportunities available 
in country, direct communication with relevant institutions, as well as contact with MoCIIP's 
Investment Team.  
 
Background:  
Page 5, Paragraph 2.14: The National Program for Enhancing Economic Diversification comes as a 
national initiative to be implemented within the framework of the 9th Five Year Plan (2016 –2020) 
and to achieve the optimal benefit to be derived from what was realized in terms of the basic 
infrastructure during the previously implemented and subsequent five -year plans while focusing on 
the basic sectors targeted under the economic diversity program according to the plan as determined 
under  Royal Decree No. RD 1/2016 namely; the manufacturing, tourism, logistics, mining, and 
fishery.  
 
Page 9, Paragraph 24: The tourism sector is also identified as key to the country's diversification 
programme, and considered as a source of significant employ ment. State involvement in the sector 
is quite large, while foreign investment restrictions remain in place. The COVID -19 pandemic had a 
huge impact. According to the authorities, the lost revenue due to travel restrictions and lockdown 
measures was estima ted to reach OMR 2.6 billion in 2020. To mitigate the impact, the authorities 
exempted tourism establishments from tourism tax and municipality tax for two years (2020 -21). 
 
Questions:   
2. Could Oman elaborate on proposals/programs/schemes for promoting sp ecific services sectors 
and sub -sectors under the above -mentioned National Programme?  
 
3. Under this Program or any other initiative, does Oman provide incentives/ subsidy to any of its 
services sectors to promote services exports? If yes, the details of s uch assistance (including sector, 
quantum of assistance, eligibility criteria for availing assistance etc.) may please be provided.   
 
Reply  
The  national program is the responsibility of each government agencies involved in the five sectors. 
Proposals/ programs/ schemes are announced by each agency.   
 
The Implementation and Follow -up Support Unit, provides support to government agencies and 
assist s them in rolling -out plans and programs Furthermore, the Implementation and Follow -up 
Support Unit is responsible for pursuing the execution of certain national projects, including WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 33 - 
 
  implementation and partnership projects. The Unit works closely with all r elevant stakeholders, 
helping them address challenges and overcome obstacles. This is evident through the adoption of 
clear and effective follow -up mechanisms.  
 
All initiatives are designed to support Oman's diversification objectives – the focus is not to  promote 
exports.  
 
Questions based on Secretariat Report (WT/TPR/S/418)  
 
Background:  
Page 16, Paragraph 1.22:  Omanization is the job creation policy for Omanis. Under Oman Vision 
2040, Oman's latest long -term strategy published in January 2019, Omanis are expected to account 
for over 40% of the workforce in the private sector. Omanization quotas are assigned to various 
sectors, including 60% for transport, storage, and communications; 45% for finance, insurance, and 
real estate; 35% for industry; 30% for ho tels and restaurants; 20% for the wholesale and retail 
trades; and 15% for contracting. The quotas may be reviewed periodically. The authorities have 
taken steps to ensure that the Omanization quotas are met, for instance, from January 2018 a total 
of 87 o ccupations are subject to a temporary ban on hiring foreign workers; in May 2019, the 
coverage of the ban was expanded to some positions at the executive levels . 
 
Questions:  
4. Kindly share details of the Omanization policy that the country has recently adopted including on 
how bans on hiring foreign workers are being implemented in practice?  
 
Reply   
The question is not relevant to any WTO provision. It is not relevant to Trade Policy Review.  
 
Background:  
Page 8, Paragraph 23:  During the review period, the legal framework for financial services continued 
being improved and modernized. The authorities maintain the same licensing procedures for local 
and foreign -owned banks. Ownership limitations for Islamic financial services (including ban king and 
insurance) are similar to those applicable to conventional business.  
 
Questions:  
5. Kindly outline difference between 'Islamic financial services' and 'conventional business' including 
with respect to the applicable ownership limitations or any ot her limitations?  
 
Reply  
Contrary to banks and insurance companies doing 'conventional business', 'Islamic financial services' 
entities refer to the licensed banking and insurance companies in the Sultanate which follow Islamic 
rules and principles in under taking their business.  
There is no differences in the ownership requirements of either type of entity.  
  
Background:  
Page 31, Paragraph 2.48:  Foreign investment projects must comply with inspection and monitoring 
procedures. The performance of the project  should be evaluated every six months by the Investment 
Services Centre; officials must be granted access to the headquarters and to records, documents, 
and computer systems as needed. However, the authorities indicate that this provision is currently 
not enforced.  
 
Questions:  
6. Could Oman please provide details of the inspection and monitoring procedures that a foreign 
investment project must comply with? How are these requirements different than in case of projects 
funded domestically?  
 
Reply  
Oman enforc es one law, there is no difference between foreign investment and domestic projects in 
inspection and monitoring - each investment must comply with the conditions of the investment 
license issued.  Currently, projects are monitored proactively as part of t he Post Investment Care 
phase with a view to managing any challenges or obstacles.  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 34 - 
 
  Background  
Page 50, Paragraph 3.82:  Certain products, such as gas, petroleum, electricity, and water, as well 
as some services (e.g. telecommunications), may be subject to price controls when sold for 
household use. In general, the Government sets maximum prices for these goods and services, and 
the companies adjust their prices accordingly. On petroleum products, however, Oman moved in 
2016 from a fixed price to a monthly a djusted price based on international prices, resulting in a 
significant increase. In December 2020, Oman announced that electricity subsidies for big non -
residential consumers, including industrial and government entities, would be removed by January 
2021.  Support will continue to be granted to eligible low -income consumers under a new subsidy 
plan targeted to poorer households. Personal and housing loans are subject to an interest rate ceiling 
set by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO).  
 
Questions:  
7. Kindly give details of these price controls/ subsidies on services sectors? Which are the other 
services sectors (other than telecommunications), that are subjected to the same?  
 
Relpy  
There are no other services sectors under price control.  
 
Background:  
Page 55, Paragraph 3.107:  Under Royal Decree No. 65/2008, amended by Royal Decree No. 
132/2008, the term of copyright protection is the author's lifetime plus 70 years. The Decree covers 
books, articles, computer programs, and other writings; oral works, su ch as lectures, speeches, and 
sermons; dramatic works; musical works; choreographic works; audio -visual works; drawings, 
paintings, engraving, works of architecture, and ornamental works; works of applied art; 
illustrations, maps, plans, sketches, and thre e-dimensional works; folklore; and title of the work, 
provided it is creative and is not a common term identifying the subject of the work. The related 
rights covered are performers, producers of sound recordings, and broadcasting organizations.  
 
Questions : 
8. What are the restrictions placed by Oman for foreign service providers on broadcasting, content 
requirements, screening etc. in the audio -visual services sector?  
 
Reply  
Domestic as well as foreign service providers must respect public morals and Islam ic culture.  
 
Background:  
Page 73, Paragraph 4.89:  As stated in the Digital Oman Strategy, multinational technology 
companies are encouraged to establish branches and operations in Oman, setting up centres of 
excellence to support development. The Oman Data  Park (ODP), established in 2012, is a joint 
venture between the state -owned Omantel and a private company, 4Trust LLC. The ODP is the first 
cloud and data service in Oman, and also the first cloud service online in the region.  
  
Questions:  
9. Could Oman p lease provide details of the Digital Oman Strategy?  
10. What are the existing laws and  regulations pertaining to e -commerce/ digital governance in 
Oman? Are any new laws related to digital trade being contemplated in Oman? Could Oman please 
explain and ela borate specific provisions related to the following in its laws, regulations or policies 
related to digital economy:  
a. Localization of data  
b. Cross -border transfer of personal/ non - personal data  
c. Data sharing obligations and provisions, if any, with regard to SME/ start ups  
d. Sharing of source code of digital technologies with public authorities  
e. Data adequacy arrangements with other countries  
f. Measures to address anti - competitive behavior due to network effect of digital 
monopolies  
g. Regulations of social media applications  
h. Artificial Intelligence  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 35 - 
 
  Reply  
The Strategy is currently under review following the Information Technology Authority's merger with 
the Ministry of Transport, Communications & Information Technology - it will be released in due 
course.  
 
Background:  
Page 79, Paragraph 4.132:  Foreign capital participation in the tourism sector is capped at 70% of 
total equity. Foreign capital is mainly seen in operators such as tourism organizers, travel agencies, 
recreation site/facility management, and r estaurants and catering services. It appears that eligible 
tourism operators may apply for the tourism loan offered by the ODB, which is a policy loan with 
preferential conditions.  
 
Page 79, Paragraph 4.133:  Licences of tourist guides are usually reserved for Omani nationals; 
however, temporary licences may be granted to non -Omanis in high seasons, subject to passing an 
exam, if they provide services in languages other than Arabic and English.  
 
Questions:  
11. Kindly share the details regarding tourism loan,  especially the preferential elements vis -a-vis 
other loans offered by the ODB?  
 
Reply  
Loans provided by the Oman Development Bank are issued to establish new industries, balance and 
modernize existing industries, as well as assist with expansion plans, et c. 
 
Background:  
 
Page 73, Paragraph 4.90: The MTCIT has run the Sas programme since 2013.43 The programme 
aims to provide the basis for new domestic SMEs to develop and promote the Sultanate's ICT sector. 
In this regard, the Sas for Entrepreneurship Centre  was established to provide technical and business 
training to start -up companies in order to better prepare them for the market, and to help them win 
their first contracts, as well as strengthening synergies and partnerships between SMEs in order to 
promo te the formation of an ICT cluster. The Oman Technology Fund (OTF) has invested in local 
companies that developed online auction, marketplace, and teaching platforms.  
 
Questions:  
12. Kindly give details of the MTCIT's Sas programme for promoting the ICT se ctor including nature 
and quantum of incentives/assistance provided to SMEs/local companies and eligibility criteria for 
availing the same.  
 
Reply  
The Sas program was previously managed by the Information Technology Authority but is now 
supervised by the Ministry of Transport, Communications & Information Technology. Its aim is to 
support entrepreneurship in Oman's growing ICT sector – helping create and foster new ICT 
businesses.  This program is one of the Oman's SME initiatives .  
 
 
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 36 - 
 
  ISRAEL  
2.3 Trade Agreements & Arrangements  
2.3.1 WTO  
 
Question 1: Can Oman confirm it provides MFN treatment to all WTO Members?  
 
Reply 1  
We confirm Oman provides MFN treatment to all WTO members.  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
 
Question 2: Can Oman elaborate on the status of the GCC Common Customs Law common list of 
prohibited or restricted products? What is the timeline expected for its issuance, and what is 
expected to contain?  
 
Reply 2  
The GCC Common Customs Law common list is still under discussion among GCC members . 
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.3.6 Government procurement  
 
Question 3: Oman is an observer to the WTO Agreement on Government  Procurement and formally 
initiated work on its accession, but there has not been much progress during the last few years. Are 
there any plans on reactivating Oman's accession process to the GPA?  
 
Reply 3  
Oman continues to work on the preparation for initiating accession to the GPA.  
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  SAUDI ARABIA  
Government Report (WT/TPR/G/418)  
3 Investment Regime  
Paragraph 3.2 page 6  
 
"In October 2020 Oman has formed National Competitiveness Committee. This committee's mandate 
is to supervise efforts aimed at raising the competitiveness of the Sultanate in the international 
indices. It also proposes the necessary policies and laws to improve the Sultanate's competitiveness 
internally and collaborate with other concerned parties to ach ieve this aim. The Committee will focus 
on the international indicators included in Oman Vision 2040 to assess performance in the next 
stage."  
 
Question  
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would be grateful if Sultanate of Oman elaborate more on how the 
Committee will raise the competitiveness of Oman in the international indices?  
 
Reply  
The National Competitiveness Committee's  mandate is to monitor and assess the Sultanate's 
performance in international indicators covered by Oman Vision 2040, as well as supervise efforts 
designed to raise the nation's competitiveness in the World Bank's Global Competitiveness Index, 
Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Report and the World Economic Forum's Global 
Competiveness Report.  
 
Collaborating with relevant do mestic parties, the National Competitiveness Office maintains strong 
ties with various Omani authorities and international organizations in order to enhance the 
Sultanate's position and raise its level of competitiveness in international development indica tors. 
 
 
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 38 - 
 
  SINGAPORE  
PART I:  QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
QUESTION:  
 
2.4. Investment Regime  
 
Page 31 (Para 2.50)  
 
1. The WTO Secretariat Report notes that Article 17 of the Executive Regulation on the New 
Foreign Capital Investment Law (NFCIL) set out benefits that apply only to wholly foreign -
owned companies for Oman's less developed regions. Additional benefits may be granted 
by the Council of Ministers if projects meet certain requirements, such as exporting not 
less than 30% of the p roduction and promoting the transfer of technology. Could Oman 
elaborate on what these additional benefits are and what other requirements these 
projects need to meet in order to qualify for such additional benefits?  
 
Reply  
No specific additional benefits have been announced.  
  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
 
Page 34 (Para 3.5)  
 
2. The WTO Secretariat Report notes that Oman has implemented new import measures in the 
wake of the COVID -19 pandemic, through approving the practice of "direct" imp orts from 
the country of origin, with fewer clearance procedures and reinforcing the transition to 
electronic submissions of documents and virtual customs clearance. Could Oman share its 
experience in implementing these "direct" import measures and further  plans to develop 
the infrastructure for re -export?  
 
Reply  
Omani ports, by virtue of being directly linked to 86 commercial ports in more than 40 countries.  
This helps enhance direct export and import from different countries for goods, especially 
vegetabl es, fruit and meat. It also provides the best options for merchants and importers to import 
from the country of production and to benefit from direct international shipping lines to the Sultanate 
from various Gulf and international ports. Oman's efforts were crowned with success in reducing the 
time and effort that imported shipments take through other ports. There is wide satisfaction from 
customers and this is a tribute to the high levels of readiness in the ports and customs clearance 
systems that contri bute to clearance of 90 per cent of the goods within the first hour of their arrival 
at the port, and clearance of 20 percent of the goods while they are on board the ship in the middle 
of the  
 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
 
Page 45 (Para 3.51)  
 
3. The WTO Secretariat Report notes that Oman is in the progress of establishing a new Special 
Economic Zone (SEZ) in Musandam. Could Oman elaborate more on the status of this SEZ 
project and whether it has plans for the establishment of more SEZs in the comi ng years?  
 
Reply  
The Council of Ministers approved to set up specialized economic and tourism zones that act as 
magnest for tourism investment and related logistics activity. Also, to declare the area of Mahas as 
an economic zone with the purpose of establishing and regulating light and medium industries, along 
with storage facilities to boost Khasab Port activity.  
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 39 - 
 
  4.4 Services  
 
Page 68 (Para 4.62)  
 
4. The WTO Secretariat Report notes that the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) published its fintech 
strategy i n October 2020, and launched a Fintech Regulatory Sandbox Framework, open 
to both local and foreign innovators. Could Oman elaborate on:  
(i)  the scope of this Fintech Regulatory Sandbox;  
(ii) the uptake rate of this Fintech Regulatory Sandbox since its launch; and  
(iii) if there have been any notable projects that had been developed as a result of this 
sandbox?  
Reply  
The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) announced the launch of its Fintech Regulatory Sandbox (FRS) 
initiative in December 2020. The FRS Framework, enables applican ts from licensed and non -licensed 
institutions to test their proposed Fintech innovative solutions live under CBO's oversight, through 
providing a temporary regulatory exemption for Fintechs ready products.  
 
The FRS received overwhelming response from part icipants, and accordingly several local and 
international applications presenting payment solutions were received during the first cohort event. 
The applications are currently under review and are being assessed across different stages of the 
sandbox.  
 
Accordingly, the applicants bringing Fintech solutions and related innovative ideas are being granted 
a few regulatory exemptions by CBO, thereby allowing them an opportunity to undertake live testing 
of their banking, payments and other financial service so lutions to assess their viability.  
 
CBO is eager to engage an increasing number of participants going forward, by equipping them with 
opportunities to present further innovative ideas and solutions during future cohort events as and 
when announced by CBO.  
 
As for the Fintech Strategy, we may include the following:  
 
Our Fintech Vision in Oman is to promote a dynamic digital financial ecosystem that fosters financial 
development, thus provides sustainable support to competitive and diversified economic sectors in 
the Sultanate through innovation.  
 
Our ultimate goal is to facilitate new enablers and provide related frameworks to address the market 
needs and its development. Additionally, we are also looking forward to support the driv ers 
underpinning emerging technological innovation and developments to the local financial/banking 
sector so that creative banking and financial services can be delivered.    
 
CBO is also working to establish  a comprehensive and evolving Fintech Ecosystem i n Oman 
enabling    Fintech Start -ups, SMEs, Banks and Technology Firms to develop innovative solutions, 
eventually contributing to county's economic growth, creation of direct and indirect employment 
opportunities and attracting venture capital investment t o Oman.   
 
CBO in the past couple of years has taken certain strategic steps and decisions to support the Fintech 
space and the digital transformation journey in the financial and banking sector summarized as 
follows:  
 
• Easing and simplifying regulation for  Fintech promotion and provision of payment services.  
• Issuing the National Payment System Law and its regulations.  
• Constitution of Fintech committee.  
• Announcing the Fintech Regulatory Sandbox Framework.  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 40 - 
 
  • Engaging with relevant stakeholders in the country.  
• Drafting Fintech Framework and Roadmap.  
• Opening up to all innovative ideas and initiatives.  
Fintech development progress  
CBO has introduced a number of strategic initiatives for Fintech development in Oman including the 
following:  
 
Fintech Framework and Ro admap; which is a holistic plan that targets all bases and enablers of the 
sector in Oman, being referred to  as "Oman Fintech Ecosystem". The Fintech vision, its objectives 
and enablement in Oman, are supported by some of the key competitive advantages suc h as a 
healthy and resilient banking sector, political stability, robust payment platforms and infrastructure 
and a large youth population.    
 
The Oman Fintech Ecosystem comprises of 4 beams and 7 pillars. Focusing mainly on Policies, 
Infrastructure, Talen t and Demand, the following major aspects are catered to:  
 
• The adoption of dynamic laws and regulations,  
• The development and engagement of national innovative talents and skills,  
• The support for collaboration between education & academia and the Fintech sector,  
• Attracting considerable and sustainable investments to the sector.  
• Introduction of regulatory frameworks that attract and catalyse innovations in the sector.  
As a move forward, CBO has announced the Fintech Regulatory Sandbox Framework De cember 10th, 
2020, which enabled applicants from the  licensed and non -licensed institutions to test their proposed 
Fintech solutions live under CBO's oversight, through providing a temporary regulatory exemption 
for Fintechs ready products.  
 
CBO is working  on drafting an Open Banking Strategy for the sector.  
 
CBO is keen to explore whether there is a need to introduce a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) 
in Oman, and how to implement and operationalize it.  
 
CBO with the help of some local academic institu tions are working on rolling out some educational 
specialized programs and campaigns. CBO are actively engaged with all these initiatives by creating 
some Specialized Educational programs.  
 
CBO has completed Virtual Assets/Virtual Assets Service Providers  study in cooperation with another 
regulator.  
 
Currently, CBO is in the process of drafting the "Regulatory Framework for availing Cloud Services" 
by licensed institutions.  
 
CBO is also working on the establishment of National E -KYC Utility.  
 
Working on a proposal to establish Fintech Innovation Hub, to support local talent and innovations 
by establishing incubation centres and announcing acceleration programs.  
 
Measures are being taken to improve the underlying attractiveness and pipeline of talent in the 
Fintech sector, which is critical for the  current and future requirements of the financial sector.  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 41 - 
 
  CBO is also working to develop the national Fintech infrastructure and further enhance the 
integration between different national entities to ease the appli cation of Fintech ideas across various 
sectors of the Sultanate.  
 
PART II:  QUESTIONS REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  
 
7.3 Oil Sector and Mining  
 
Page 11 (Para 7.13)  
 
5. The Government Report states that Oman is pursuing a policy of leveraging the mining and 
quarrying sector, within the framework of its economic diversification strategy. Could 
Oman share the policies that have been put in place to encourage the growth of the 
industry?  
 
Reply  
The main legislation concerning the sector is the Mineral Resources Law, which came into force 14 
March 2019 and repealed the Mining Law and its amendments. the new framework may provide 
investors with more incentives, guarantees, transparency and certainty.  
 
 
 
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 42 - 
 
  THAILAND  
WT/TPR/G/418  
Para 2.20 Page 6  
The report stated that Oman is currently undergoing privatization process of various services sectors, 
including transport sector. Thailand would like to ask if Oman could provide more details about the 
transport sector, especially which sub -sectors are subjec ted to such privatization.  
 
Reply  
The privatization mandate remains important given Oman's vision of having a larger contribution of 
the private sector in the economy. Following the Royal Decree and establishment of the Oman 
Investment Authority (OIA), gov ernment companies now come under OIA and it will pursue the 
privatization mandate going forward. The plan with regards the transport sector will be announced 
in due course.  
 
WT/TPR/S/418  
Para 3.6 Page  34 
Oman's Imported goods are randomly selected for investigation based on a risk management 
system. In this regard, some goods may be physically inspected more often than others. Please 
elaborate on the criteria used in choosing imported goods for additional inspections . 
 
Reply  
The risk management system is an intelligence system that does not work based on randomly 
selected items for investigation. The system identifies risks via three categories (red, yellow and 
green) only imported goods which co me under the red category are physically inspected.  
All procedures are conducted electronically through the Bayan system and the importer has to place 
all documents on said system.   
 
WT/TPR/S/418  
Para 3.24 Page 39 
It was indicated that duty concessions m ay be granted to certain industries or companies on import 
goods for operational use. Please clarify how Oman determines qualified industries for these 
treatments, provide a list of eligible products for such treatments, and elaborate on the procedures 
for applying for such concessions. Please also provide examples of industries or companies that are 
able to obtain the duty concessions for imports for operational use, and for which products.  
 
Reply  
According to the Local and GCC Industries Laws, duty exemptions are granted to the industrial 
establishments that have industrial licenses ,and they are applicable to imported raw materials, 
machinery, and equipment that are used within establishments production lines on specified 
activities allowed as per t he Licenses and based on the licensed production capacities.  
To apply for the exemption ,establishments can file their application through custom (ROP Bayan) 
system. Approvals would be given through Ministry of Finance (MOF) based on recommendations of 
Technical Team from Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP).  
 
WT/TPR/S/418  
Para 3.27 Page 40  
Due to Oman's geographical location, Oman is major transportation hub for GCC member States. 
What are trade facilitation measures that hel p minimize supply chain disruption in the transfer goods 
under Oman's list of prohibited and restricted Items to other GCC member states.   
 
Reply  
In June 2015, Oman launched Bayan, an import and export reporting and management electronic 
system, to improve  the efficiency of its customs procedures. Since 2020, Oman has officially 
implemented 100% of its commitments under the Agreement on Trade facilitation. The Average 
clearance time for imports has been reduced to seven hours. In the wake of the COVID -19 crisis, 
Oman approved the practice of "direct" imports from the country of origin, to speed up the clearance 
process and reduce costs. It also reinforced the transition to electronic submission of documents and 
virtual customs clearance.  
 
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 43 - 
 
  Under the GCC Comm on Customs Law, each GCC member State determines its own list of prohibited 
or restricted products, although members are developing a common list. Imports that are prohibited 
in some GCC member States and permitted in others can only be imported from the l atter and must 
not transit through the States in which they are prohibited.  
 
Import restrictions prohibitions for reasons of human, plant, and animal health; public morals; 
environment; and security.  
 
WT/TPR/S/418  
Para 4.59 Page 67 -68 
According to the report, investors must submit application to the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) for a 
license as well as make a request to seek an approval from the CBO's Board of Governors for setting 
up a branch office. In this light, regarding to Oman regulations, does it have any limitation on the 
number of branches or subsidiaries that allow foreign banks to operate in Oman, or any specific 
conditions for foreign investor in banking services?  
 
Reply  
According to Oman's commitments on services, the number of permitted branches or subsidiaries 
for a foreign bank to operate in the Sultanate is four (4)  
 
WT/TPR/S/418  
Para 4.80 Page 71  
According to the report, Oman has limited licenses for telecommunications  operators by means of bidding. 
Thailand would like to as k if Oman could specify the qualifications of telecommunications operators 
or criteria for selecting the operators to participate in the bidding  of such licenses.  
 
Reply  
The telecom licensing framework in Oman is open to any interested investor. Any interested 
company can apply for a telecom license in Oman which does not require the use of scarce resources 
without the need to compete with others. However, in services that require the use of scares 
resources i.e. Spectrum,  a telecom service provider i s selected based on open public bidding process. 
This applies to mobile telecommunication services and the PMR service, where TRA will issue an 
Information Memorandum (IM) that sets out all the conditions related to awarding the license 
including the biddi ng process.   The evaluation is usually based on the best offer using the "beauty 
contest" principle. As for fixed telecommunication services, these services do not require 
competition, and the company, wishing to provide these services, can apply for a lice nse at any 
time. 
 
WT/TPR/S/418  
Para 4.79  Page 71  
The report stated that "The authorities indicate there are no restrictions on foreign ownership for 
telecommunications service providers. Are there any other conditions or requirements for foreign 
service providers in the sector?  
 
Reply  
There are no restrictions on foreign ownership for telecommunications service licenses in the Sultanate. 
The telecom licensee in Oman has to establish a company registered in Oman without any limitations or 
any other conditions to its foreign ownership. The conditions for obtaining a telecommunications service 
license are explained in the law and the Sultanate depends on the principles of the open market and opens 
the way for both local and foreign investment in the se ctor in implementation of the Sultanate's obligations 
under the International Trade Agreement WTO. once the company is established in Oman and receives its 
telecom license, then, it will be treated equally with any other companies in the market regardless of its 
local or foreign ownership.  
 
 
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 44 - 
 
  THAILAND – ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  
WT/TPR/G/418  
Para 7.2, Page 11  
Would Oman please provide sources of information related to the promotion and development of 
Oman industrial strategy 2021 -2040 such as policies, regulations, performance indicators and list of 
promoted industrial sectors in order of importance? The information would be very useful for 
enhancing industrial development cooperation between Thailand and Oman, and bring about mutual 
economic expansion i n the future.  
 
Reply  
The Manufacturing Strategy 2040 ( reference link ) for Oman was developed by the Ministry of 
Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) in collaboration w ith United Nations 
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The MoCIIP adopted the best practices of industrial 
strategy making proposed by UNIDO and strategized the development of strategy into two phases 
as follow as: - 
(i) Phase 1 (2017 -2018): Industria l diagnostics which focused on identifying the key 
opportunities and challenges facing the Sultanate manufacturing sector, benchmarking 
the manufacturing sector performance of the Sultanate, and prioritizing manufacturing 
sub-sectors (top 30 sub -sectors by  ISIC rev.4) based on Sultanate 's comparative 
advantages.  
(ii) (ii) Phase 2 (2019 -2020): Industrial policy (green paper) and action plan outline a series 
of proposed policy directions, framework, and instruments to achieve the goals set for 
the Manufacturing S trategy 2040 based on the 16 cross -cutting areas (e.g., investment 
incentives and taxation, trade policy, human resources, vocational training, technology 
and innovation, SMEs, entrepreneurship, energy, environment, value chain 
development, local content, public procurement, industrial parks and economic zones, 
governance, finance, and planning).  
 
WT/TPR/S/418  
Para 3.114, Page 56  
Could Oman elaborate on the new electronic procedure for trademark applications? How does the 
new procedure work? Is it accessibl e online by the general public?  
 
Reply  
Oman Intellectual Property Department in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment 
Promotion (MoCIIP) has announced the implementation of a new electronic procedure for submitting 
new trademark registration applications as part of its orientation towards improving, facilitating, and 
simplifying the ministry 's procedures.  
 
Individuals and organizations in Oman can apply online to register their intellectual property via the 
electronic Invest Easy portal  of the MoCIIP. The launch of the application aims at facilitating 
procedures, reducing time and efforts of service seekers, providing faster services, in addition to 
providing accuracy in data,  and ensuring the investor 's seriousness in complying with intellectual 
property standards.  
 
The applicants can submit their applications easily and conveniently by logging on to the website of 
"Invest Easy " portal (ref link: https://www.business.gov.om/wps/portal/ ), choosing Business 
Administration from the list of services, followed by choosing the service of request application 'To 
file an Intellectual property document '. 
 
This is followed by loggin g in through the electronically attested ID card or through the phone 
number supported by the electronic authentication feature, and then clicking on Register a new 
intellectual property, reading the instructions and clicking agree by the terms & condition s and the 
disclaimer of the service.  
 
The users can then click start the service and choose "File an Intellectual property document "and 
fill in the application data for each by clicking on the button corresponding to each.  
 
The application is reviewed and  the data is corrected before submitting the application. The users 
can then pay the service fee and upload the payment receipt.  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 45 - 
 
  All requests can be followed up and their status displayed by logging into: Services — Business 
Administration — Intellectual Property Applications.  
 
  
WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 46 - 
 
  UNITED STATES  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.1 Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  
 
Page 34, paragraph 3.5:   How does Oman view discrimination in providing fewer clearance 
procedures for "direct" imports from one of 86 commercial ports in certain countries vs. imports that 
arrive in Oman with intermediate stop?  
 
Reply  
All clearance procedures process automatically through Bayan System  the IT solution  used in all 
borders therefore there  is no such discrimination regarding providing fewer clearance procedures for 
direct import.   
 
Page 35, paragraph 3.10:   Does Oman also provide advance rulings with regard to rules of origin 
in determining eligibility under preferential trade agreements?  
 
Reply  
Yes. 
 
3.1.4 Other charges affecting imports  
 
Page 40, paragraph 3.26:   Regarding the excise tax on carbonated dr inks, we have a number of 
questions:  
 
• When and how will Oman switch from an ad -valorem tax to a graduated tax based on total 
sugar content – from either naturally occurring and/or added sugars –including fruit juices 
and milk -based products?  
 
Reply  
A study  is being conducted to enable the Gulf Cooperation Council member states ("GCC States") to 
review the excise tax model under the Unified Excise Tax Treaty for the GCC.  
 
• Will Oman exempt beverages with no added sugar and low caloric beverages from this tax?  
 
Reply  
Currently, excise tax is not assessed on beverages that do not contain added sugar  
 
• Does Oman plan to revise this tax further to ensure there is no discrimination between 
energy drinks and other beverages currently covered that have similar amounts  of sugar?  
 
Reply  
The Government of the Sultanate of Oman applies the same tax rate on all excisable goods and 
ensures equal tax treatment is applied, whether those excisable goods are produced domestically or 
imported. Oman emphasize that the excise regi me is not and has never been discriminatory in any 
way. The difference in the tax rate between energy drinks and sweetened drinks is based on the 
inherent difference between the types and contents of the beverages. Thus, the appropriate tax rate 
applies to  a drink depending on how its categorized based on the legal definition for each type of 
beverage.  
 
• What is the timeline to inform private industry, governments, and other interested parties 
about the study currently underway on a new excise tax model and its implementation plan 
under the GCC Unified Excise Tax Agreement ? 
 
Reply  
The scope of the study will cover the timeline of implementation based on the readiness of each 
member state.  
 
• We understand that study may include a review by GCC Member State governments of the 
"legal definition" of different types of beverages – can Om an provide additional detail on this 
aspect?  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 47 - 
 
  Reply  
Please refer to the answer below relating to the question on  Page 47, paragraph 3.61.  
 
• What is Oman's formal mechanism for consulting with private industry, trading partner 
governments, and other intereste d parties regarding the selective tax, particularly in 
advance of any final decisions?  
 
Reply  
Any details of amendments to the excise tax rate will be announced once there is an agreement 
among the GCC states and a formal resolution is passed. The Sultanat e of Oman will give all 
stakeholders sufficient time to provide feedback.  
 
• We note differences among the GCC Member State governments in their implementation of 
the selective tax – will Oman work with the other GCC Member State governments to ensure 
that a ny amendments to the Unified Excise Tax Treaty for the GCC address the issue of 
consistent implementation?  
 
Reply  
Yes, Oman is working with other GCC Member States to ensure any amendment is implemented 
consistently. GCC states members agree on the princip les and the common frameworks on adapting 
new tax policy and each state will implement based on its own policy and readiness.  
  
• What is the status of Oman's consideration regarding the long -term implications of continued 
industry volume decline for: (1) s ustainable streams of tax revenue; (2) upstream, direct 
and downstream employment and investments; and (3) viability of the beverage industry in 
Oman?  
 
Reply  
The excise tax was imposed on the basis of public health considerations. Tax revenue was not in -
and-of-itself the objective behind implementing the excise tax. Accordingly, the decrease in volume 
of these products and the resulting decrease in tax revenue from excise products is an indicator of 
a decrease in sales, production and/or demand for these pr oducts, all of which also indicate a 
decrease in individual consumption of such goods. These results would suggest that the tax has been 
effective in achieving the desired public health objectives. Generally, negative implications affecting 
some aspects of  the economy are incidental to the introduction of new taxes or an increase in existing 
taxes. Oman foresaw the long -term implications mentioned in the question prior to implementing 
the excise tax and took them into consideration in making the decision to  implement the tax. In 
addition, Oman is ready to take any action needed counteractions in taken action to minimize 
incidental adverse effects the tax may have on the economy.  
 
3.1.5 Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
 
Page 41, paragraph 3.32 :  The Secretariat Report lists in Table 3.7 Oman's import restrictions for 
several agricultural products and states that goods subject to the restrictions must be accompanied 
by certificates from the relevant authorities.  However, there is no mention of i mport licenses.  
Oman's most recent notification under Article 7.3 of the Agreement on Import Licensing procedures 
(G/LIC/N/3/OMN/7) is from 2014.  
   
• Please explain if Oman applies any import licensing procedures.  
• When does Oman plan to submit its import licensing notification?  
 
Reply  
Oman does not implement import licensing procedures according to the Agreement provisions.  
 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.4  Export support and promotion  
 
Page 44, paragraph 3.47:  The Secretariat Report notes that in two of Oman's three free zones, 
companies can benefit from customs duty exemptions on imports as well as a 30 -year corporate tax 
holiday.  Additionally, the Sohar Free Zone offers a 25 -year tax holiday.  Furthermore, on page 67 
of the Secretariat R eport, at paragraph 4.55, it states that there are nine other industrial estates 
which offer similar incentives to the free trade zones.  To the extent that these tax incentives are WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 48 - 
 
  contingent upon export, please explain how these incentives are consistent  with Oman's obligations 
under Article 3 of the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement).  
 
Reply  
To our understanding there is no decision, declaration or agreed interpretation on the application / 
relationship of Article 3 o f the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures to Free 
Zones . 
 
Page 45, paragraph 3.48 :  The Secretariat Report notes that in Oman's two SEZs, companies are 
provided with an income tax exemption for 30 years.  To the extent that these tax inc entives are 
contingent upon export, please explain how these incentives are consistent with Oman's obligations 
under Article 3 of the SCM Agreement.  
 
Reply  
Please refer to above reply.  
 
3.2.5  Export finance, insurance, and guarantees  
 
Page 45, paragraphs 3.52 and 3.53:  The Secretariat Report notes that Oman's Export Credit 
Guarantee Agency (ECGA) promotes Omani exports mainly through: export and domestic credit 
insurance, small and medium -sized enterprise (SME) credit insurance, multi -buyer credit insurance, 
and a documentary credit insurance policy (DCIP).  To the extent that these policies include 
guarantees, loans, or incentives which are contingent upon export, please explain how these 
programs are consistent with Oman's obligations  under Article 3 of the SCM Agreement.  
 
Reply  
Credit Oman (since April 2017) does not provide any loans, guarantees or incentives to its 
policyholders and is in line with international ECAs offerings. Its services are available to all 
companies registered in Oman or have Omani interest beyond Oman. This is mainly through its trade 
credit insurance policies which protect a company's trade credit receivables. The insurance policy 
may be used as a collateral with commercial banks in Oman to obtain p ost shipment financing 
facilities at the standard applicable rates by the banks. Furthermore, policyholders are obliged to 
pay appropriate insurance premiums for protecting their receivables. Moreover, Credit Oman is 
functioning fully independently.  
 
3.3 M easures Affecting Production and Trade  
3.3.1 Incentives  
 
Page 46, paragraph 3.55:  The Secretariat Report states that "The 100% state -owned Oman 
Development Bank (ODB) is Oman's main financial development institution, providing support to 
micro, SME, and major ventures with the goal of diversifying the sources of national revenue."  How 
are "major ventures" supported by ODB?  Are the loans provided by ODB consistent with commercial 
interest rates?  Does ODB provide equity finance to "major ventures" an d if so, which ventures?  
 
Reply  
Loans provided by ODB Loans needed for establishment of new industries, for balancing and 
modernization of existing industries, for expansion of capacity etc.  
 
3.3.2 Standards and other technical requirements  
 
Page 47, parag raph 3.61 : The Secretariat Report provides an overview of the technical regulations 
and standards at the GCC level through the GSO and their related process.  Please provide the status 
of the GSO Standard on energy drinks.  Will Oman and the GCC Members ho ld consultations with 
private industry stakeholders to ensure that the GSO standard is developed and implemented in a 
transparent and non -discriminatory manner?  
 
Reply  
1- A definition of energy drinks has been agreed to ensure better application.  
2- Amending the  project - Energy Drinks - items based on the agreed definition , note that the 
project is currently in the distribution stage and has been distributed to stakeholders 
according to the following regulation  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 49 - 
 
  3-  Yes, by allowing the participation of the concerned parties interested in the standards in 
both the public and pri vate sectors (stakeholders) through the national standardization 
bodies of Member States, to contribute to the following:  
 
‐ Participate in the work of technical committees, sub -committees or task groups.  
‐ Participate in the activities of technical committees of national Member States, corresponding to 
GSO technical committees.  
‐ Propose GSO draft standards and technical regul ations of high priority and an  
urgent need.  
‐ Contributing to study and comment on GSO standards and technical regulations  
projects during the given period.  
 
Page 48, paragraph 3.67 : The United States appreciates Oman's report on their standards and 
techni cal requirements related to halal meat and poultry products.  The Secretariat Report states 
that Oman "requires slaughtering according to Islamic procedures."  However, there is no reference 
to Omani national standards or GSO standards.   Since there is no internationally accepted standard 
for halal slaughter of animal products, the United States would appreciate further clarification on 
Oman's halal requirements.  
 
• Please list Oman's technical regulations and standards that apply to imported halal products.  
 
Reply  
Oman applies the GSO halal standards to ensure that any HCBs follow the GSO halal standards can 
get the recognition.  
 
• Please list any GSO technical regulations and standards that Oman has adopted related to 
imported halal products.  
 
Reply  
GSO 2055-2 
  
• Please list the national authority with responsibility for promulgating and enforcing halal 
conformity assessment requirements.  
 
Reply  
Directorate General of Standards & Metrology at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment 
Promotion.  
 
• Please list which products (by HS code, if possible) are required to meet halal conformity 
assessments as a mandatory requirement for import.  
 
Reply  
Meat and poultry meat  
 
3.3.5 State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
 
Page 50, paragraph 3.83:   The Secretariat Report states that Oman's most recent notification to 
the Working Party on State Trading Enterprises was made in 2014.  Please indicate when Oman will 
provide an update for the missing periods.  
 
Reply  
Oman is in process to notify the WTO Secretariat.  
 
Page 50, paragraph 3.84:  The Secretariat Report states that "In 2017, the Implementation 
Support and Follow -up Unit of the Tanfeedh programme (paragraph 2.14) declared that there were 
around 70 state -owned enterpris es in Oman and that between 2017 and 2021, the objective was to 
sell OMR 700 million of SOE assets to the private sector."  What state assets have been sold since 
this declaration, at what value, and to whom?  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 50 - 
 
  Reply  
The privatization mandate remains import ant given Oman's vision to have a larger contribution of 
the private sector in the economy. Post the royal decree and the establishment of Oman Investment 
Authority, government companies are now part of the authority and it will pursue the privatization 
mandate going forward.  
 
The privatization process has progressed in the electricity sector, power and related water 
telecommunications, transport sector, wastewater and hazardous waste sectors.  
 
3.3.7 Intellectual property rights  
3.3.7.1 Overview  
 
Page 53, paragraph 3.97:  The Secretariat Report notes that "The MOCIIP has been working 
closely with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to formulate its future National 
Strategy for Intellectual Property. The aim of the Strategy is to bui ld a knowledge -based economy 
and to promote innovation and competitiveness in accordance with Oman Vision 2040."  
• What are the ways in which MOCIIP has been working with WIPO?  
• What types of strategies will be implemented to "build a knowledge -based economy" and 
"promote innovation and competitiveness"?  
• If this information is not currently available, when is the National Strategy for Intellectual 
Property expected to be released ? 
 
Reply  
- Oman through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion is working with 
WIPO as a member through the technical assistance provided by WIPO to developing members.  
 
- The National Strategy for Intellectual Property is still in discussio n between Oman & WIPO - it 
will be released when both parties complete the internal procedures.  
 
Page 53, table 3.9:  Table 3.9 of the Secretariat Report states "Co -authored, collective, and 
anonymous works and works published 25 years after their creation  may follow longer protection 
lengths" than the life of the author plus 70 years.  In what situations would co -authored, collective, 
and anonymous works and works published 25 years after their creation follow longer protection 
lengths and how long would t hese extended protection lengths be?  
 
Page 53, paragraph 3.99:  The Secretariat Report lists the treaties that Oman is a party to; 
however, the list does not include the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for 
Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled or the Beijing Treaty on 
Audiovisual Performances.  Does Oman plan to accede to either treaty?  If yes, what is the timeline 
for the accession of either treaty?  
 
Reply  
Yes, Oman is interested in joining the Marrakesh & Beijing treaties, the timeline for accession is 
dependent on internal procedures.  
 
3.3.7.3 Copyright and related rights  
 
Page 55, paragraph 3.107:   The Secretariat Report states that copyright protection extends to 
the "title of the work, p rovided it is creative and is not a common term identifying the subject of the 
work."  What are the reasons for extending copyright protection as opposed to other forms of 
intellectual property protection that can protect words or short phrases?  How are t he rights 
extending from the copyright protection of a title of a work enforced when titles generally consist of 
a single word or a short phrase?  
 
Reply  
The title of the work is protected within the copyright associated with the work if it is innovative. It 
can also be qualified as a trademark within the Nice International Classification Class 16 of books, 
publications and magazines.  
 
Page 55, paragraph 3.108: The Secretariat Report states "The Decree gives authors and their 
successors economic rights, such as the right to authorize or prohibit the commercial rental to the 
public of originals or copies of their copyright works within the limits allowed under Art icle 11 of the WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 51 - 
 
  TRIPS Agreement."  What other economic rights are granted?  In particular, does the Decree include 
the right of distribution or the right of communication to the public?  
 
Reply  
Includes financial rights in Omani law - right of reproduction, translation, right to dispose, rent, 
public performance, public display, broadcasting the work to the public  
 
Page 55, paragraph 3.109:  The Secretariat Report states that "Oman's law protects both 
copyrights of Omanis and foreigners residing in the Sultana te."  Do foreign authors who do not reside 
in the Sultanate and are nationals or domiciles of a nation party to a treaty of which Oman is also a 
member receive the same protection for their works as accorded to Omanis and foreigners residing 
in the Sultana te? 
 
Reply  
Yes, they receive the same protection, but the work is deposited through a legal agent representing 
them in the Sultanate of Oman  
 
Page 55, paragraph 3.110 and table 3.11: T he Secretariat Report and Table discuss the 
evolution of copyright appli cations.  However, it would be helpful to know the following 
information:  
 
• Is the  National Office of Intellectual Property under MOCIIP responsible for copyright 
registration?  
 
Reply  
Yes, with coordination with the Ministry of Information regarding the author's desire to obtain a 
license to print.  
 
• Is copyright registration mandatory? If not, what are the benefits to registration?  
 
Reply  
Registration is not mandatory, but the deposit is considered close to ownership by law  
 
• What are the cur rent registration application fees for copyrighted works, or is registration 
free? 
 
Reply  
Deposit fees for literary and artistic classes 12 Omani riyals  
 
• Is there also information available regarding the number of copyright applications that 
are successfully processed? If so, please provide this data for the review period.  
 
Reply  
The number of deposit requests reached as of today (3,795)    
 
3.3.7.4 Trademarks  
 
Page 55, paragraph 3.111:  Can Oman please provide a status update or timeline for publishing 
the regulations for implementing the GCC Trademark Law?  
 
Reply  
Work is in progress to issue this regulation  
 
Page 55, paragraph 3.114:  Can Oman please provide a status update or timeline for the new 
electronic procedure for trademark applicatio ns?  Will this procedure also provide electronic 
processing for post -registration filings as well?  
 
Reply  
The application of trademarks has been digitized, work is underway to transfer all services 
electronically, but in stages.  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
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  3.3.7.6 Geographical indications  
 
Page 56, paragraph 3.120:  The Secretariat Report states that "the time frame for protection of 
geographical indications is unlimited."   
 
• Does Oman have administrative procedures in place that provide for cancellation of 
protection if a term becomes generic or a common name good within the territory of Oman?  
 
Reply  
Yes, it is permissible to cancel a shaded name or a name that is commonly used, and the cancellation 
is done through the competent court.  
 
• As part of its applic ation process, does Oman provides interested parties with notice and an 
opportunity to deliver comments on those seeking GI protection before it is granted?  
 
Reply  
The notification is by publication in the official government gazette, and those who have a n interest 
are entitled to file an objection before registration, within a period of 90 days from the date of 
publication.   
 
3.3.7.8 Enforcement  
 
Page 57, paragraph 3.122:  Does Oman's Customs authority have a IPR recordation database set 
up or any type of data sharing agreement with the Intellectual Property Rights Department?  If not, 
does Customs intend to set up such systems?  
 
Reply  
At the present time, there is none, but we have a plan of action to make some systems available for 
trademarks at the Bayan Customs system  
 
Page 57, paragraph 3.122:  Are goods that are found to be counterfeit or pirated confiscated and 
seized and ultimately destroyed?   
 
Reply  
No damage is done, it is only saved  
 
Page 57, paragraph 3.123:  The Secretariat Report notes tha t "The Copyright Law defines its own 
measures and remedies."  What enforcement measures and remedies are provided for in the 
Copyright law?  
 
Reply  
Chapter Eleven in Copyright Law No. 65/2008 talks about enforcement, whether border and 
preventive measures, penalties and penalties.  
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture and Fisheries  
 
Page 58, paragraph 4.3 :  The Secretariat Report notes that as part of Oman Vision 2020, the 
Government aims to increase exports of agricultural products and that the Ministry of Agriculture 
and Fisheries (MoAF) formulates policies, sponsors research, and provides technical assistance to 
farmers.  To the extent that some of these policies or support measures are implemented with the 
aim of increasing exports of agri cultural products under Oman Vision 2020, please explain these 
policies in more detail.  If any of these policies or programs are contingent on export activity, please 
explain how these programs are consistent with Oman's obligations under Article 3 of the  SCM 
Agreement.  
 
Reply  
Oman in all notifications to WTO with regards the Agriculture Agreement stressed that all subsidy 
programs are in conformity with the Agreement provisions.  
 
Page 58, paragraph 4.4:   The Secretariat Report notes that the Oman Food Investment Holding 
Company (established in 2012) has partnered to purchase four agri -food companies and set up WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 53 - 
 
  animal product companies, and that the projects "enhanced the capacity of domestic agricultural  
production."  Oman's Table DS:1 notification for calendar years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 
2017, and 2018 do not contain entries for Oman Food Investment Holding Company activities.  Oman 
has not notified a Table DS:2.  The website for the Oman Food In vestment Holding Company 
indicates that it is a "state -owned enterprise."  Oman's last notification to the Working Party on State 
Trading Enterprises in 2014 does not mention the Oman Food Investment Holding Company.   
 
• Please explain how the activities of  the Oman Food Investment Holding company relate to 
domestic support commitments.  
 
Reply  
The aim of the company is to improve food security in the Sultanate of Oman. Any activities of the 
company will be in conformity with Oman's obligations on domestic su pport.  
 
• Please clarify if the Oman Food Investment Holding company is involved in the import or 
export of agricultural or food products.  
 
Reply  
The mission of Oman Food Investment Holding Company is to  invest in food projects individually 
and in partnershi p with various strategic investors inside and outside Oman aiming to promote self -
sufficiency, where possible, and food security for the Sultanate of Oman.  
 
Page 59, paragraph 4.7:   The Secretariat Report states that all of the domestic support measures 
Oman has notified to the WTO belong to the Green Box.  However, we note that Oman has not 
submitted DS:2 notifications providing detail on the individual programs.  
 
• When does Oman plan to provide Table DS:2 notifications for its domestic support programs?  
 
Reply  
Oman has already sent to the WTO Secretariat notifications from 2014 – 2019 which includes DS:2  
 
Page 59, paragraph 4.8:   In paragraph 4.8, the Secretariat Report states that Oman introduced 
agriculture insurance in October 2017.  In its T able DS:1 notification for 2018 (G/AG/N/OMN/25) 
and 2017 (G/AG/N/OMN/24), Oman has not notified any infrastructural services expenditures for 
operations or underwriting related to an agriculture insurance program, nor has Oman notified any 
government payme nts for agriculture insurance premiums.  
 
• When does Oman plan to notify to the WTO information about its agriculture insurance 
program?  
• Does the government of Oman provide payments for agriculture insurance premiums?  
 
Reply  
The agriculture insurance program  is under review and still not starting officially.  
  WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 54 - 
 
  UNITED STATES  - FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1.1 Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  
Page 34, paragraph 3.5:   How does Oman view discrimination in providing fewer clearance 
procedures for "direct" imports from one of 86 commercial ports in certain countries vs. imports that 
arrive in Oman with intermediate stop?  
 
Answer  
All clearance procedures process automatic ally through Bayan System  the IT solution  used in all 
borders therefore there  is no such discrimination regarding providing fewer clearance procedures for 
direct import.   
 
Follow -Up Question :  Page 34, paragraph 3.4 and 3.5 of the Secretariat's report notes that the 
state-owned logistics conglomerate Asyad, approved "the practice of 'direct' imports from the 
country of origin, with fewer clearance procedures to speed up the process and reduce costs."  Please 
outline specifically wha t clearance procedures are not required for "imports {that} come directly 
from one of 86 commercial ports in more than 40 countries, which are directly connected to Oman, 
without any intermediate stop," as referenced in footnote 5.  
 
Answer  
Clearance proced ures covered by the report were implemented in response to the COVID -19 
pandemic whereby all paper -based transactions are to be made electronically, including, though not 
limited to, delivery orders, bill of lading and online payments. This decision was ta ken in order to 
keep goods moving during crisis.  
 
In cooperation with the concerned authorities, the Directorate General of Customs Custom has been 
highly proactive in response to the impact of the pandemic.  
 
Customs’ Bayan system allows traders to apply a nd obtain required permits, often in a matter of 
seconds. Customs has also adopted a flexible approach, agreeing that when importers and exporters 
struggle to present an original copy of certificate of origin for goods, their goods will be allowed to 
pass based on their barcodes.  
 
In other cases, scanned documents sent by email are accepted in place of hard copies. The 
submission and processing of delivery orders, bills of lading and service payments were moved 
online, and within just two weeks all transac tions at Oman’s ports had become digital.  
 
Customs’ Bayan system, or single window, is enabling customs to close some offices and instead, 
have agent’s clear goods virtually from the safety of their homes. Cargo manifests will be required 
to be submitted t o Customs’ Bayan system at least 48 hours ahead of the vessel’s arrival allowing 
authorities to conduct risk management prior to the arrival of goods. This means traders can submit 
declarations and obtain release of shipments pre -arrival or at least shortl y thereafter.  
 
Several actions have been announced by public and private sector parties in order to help Omani 
traders and Oman’s logistics industry deal with the COVID -19 situation, these include:  
 
- Customs brokers are not required to attend cargo inspecti ons at ports and airports.  
 
- Shipping lines and agents were given a grace period of three (3) months to comply with the 
requirement of IT integration with Customs for submission of cargo manifests. Manifests are 
now submitted using an electronic interface.   
 
- All cargo manifests are required to be submitted to the Customs system at least 48 hours prior 
to the vessels arrival. In cases where the voyage duration is less than 48 hours, the manifest 
must be submitted immediately after the ship departs from the l oading port. Release of 
shipments pre - arrival or at least shortly thereafter. Speeding up administrative processes is 
saving costs.  
 
Importers must adhere to customs procedures related to values, weights and correctness of origin 
to avoid any legal accoun tability. Documents accompanying goods were considered original WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 55 - 
 
  documents without collecting guarantee. Approval of proof of origin should be placed on the goods 
in case Certificate of Origin cannot be submitted.  
 
3.1.4 Other charges affecting imports  
Page 40, paragraph 3.26:   Regarding the excise tax on carbonated drinks, we have a number of 
questions:  
 
• Will Oman exempt beverages with no added sugar and low caloric beverages from this tax?  
 
Answer  
Currently, excise tax is not assessed on beverages that do not contain added sugar.  
 
Follow -Up Question :  Please provide a list of all specific beverage products subject to the excise 
tax 
 
Answer  
Ministerial decision (112/2019) details the list of specific beverage products subject to excise tax 50 
on sugar sweetened beverages, including drinks containing: “sugar or any of its derivatives” (with 
no indication as to a minimum amount of sugar):  
 
• Juices, sports drinks, fruit/malt syrups, and pre -mixed ready -to-serve coffee and tea drinks; and  
• Concentrates, powders, gels, extracts, or any other similar forms, which can be converted into 
sweetened drinks.  
  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture and Fisheries  
Page 58, paragraph 4.3 :  The Secretariat Report notes that as part of Oman Vision 2020, the 
Government aims to increase exports of agricultural products and that the Ministry of Agriculture 
and Fisheries (MoAF) formulates policies, sponsors research, and provides technical assistance to 
farmers.   To the extent that some of these policies or support measures are implemented with the 
aim of increasing exports of agricultural products under Oman Vision 2020, please explain these 
policie s in more detail.   If any of these policies or programs are contingent on export activity, please 
explain how these programs are consistent with Oman's obligations under Article 3 of the SCM 
Agreement.  
 
Answer  
Oman in all notifications to the WTO with rega rds the Agriculture Agreement stressed that all subsidy 
programs are in conformity with the Agreement provisions.  
 
Follow -Up Question :  Please clarify whether participants or beneficiaries of any MoAF programs 
are required to be involved in export activit ies in order to participate or benefit?  
 
Answer  
With regard to Agricultural Insurance, we confirm the Sultanate   of Oman does not provide any 
financial support to farmers registering to an agriculture insurance program. For this reason, 
agricultural insuran ce is not mentioned in the tables of Agricultural Notifications.  
 
Page 58, paragraph 4.4:   The Secretariat Report notes that the Oman Food Investment Holding 
Company (established in 2012) has partnered to purchase four agri -food companies and set up 
animal product companies, and that the projects "enhanced the capacity of domestic agricultural  
production."   Oman's Table DS:1 notification for calendar years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 
2017, and 2018 do not contain entries for Oman Food Investment Holding Company 
activities.   Oman has not notified a Table DS:2.   The website for the Oman Food In vestment Holding 
Company indicates that it is a "state -owned enterprise."   Oman's last notification to the Working 
Party on State Trading Enterprises in 2014 does not mention the Oman Food Investment Holding 
Company.    
 
• Please explain how the activities of  the Oman Food Investment Holding company relate to 
domestic support commitments.  
 WT/TPR/M/418/Add.1  
 
- 56 - 
 
  Answer    
Oman Food Investment Holding Company aims to improve the Sultanate of Oman’s food security. 
Any activities of the company will conform to Oman's obligations on dome stic support.  
 
Follow -Up Question : Oman has indicated that any activities of the Oman Food Investment Holding 
company will be in conformity with Oman's obligations on domestic support. One of the elements of 
domestic support obligations is notification of domestic support measures.   When does Oman plan 
to submit domestic support notifications that cover the activities of Oman Food Investment Holding 
company?  
 
Answer  
Oman is in process of informing the WTO Secretariat of notifications for 2020 -21 . 
 
• Please clarify if the Oman Food Investment Holding company is involved in the import or export 
of agricultural or food products.  
 
Answer  
The mission of Oman Food Investment Holding Company is to  invest in food projects individually 
and in partnership with various strategic domestic and international investors in order to promote 
self-sufficiency, where possible, and food security for the Sultanate of Oman.  
 
Follow -Up Question :  Oman has indicated that the Oman Food Investment Holding company is 
involved in  efforts "to promote self -sufficiency, where possible, and food security for the Sultanate 
of Oman."   Trade is an important part of food security.  Please clarify whether the Oman Food 
Investment Holding Company is involved, directly or indirectly, in the import or export of agricultural 
goods?  Additionally, when will Oman be notifying the Oman Food Investment Holding Company in 
its response to the Export Credit Questionnaire (ECQ), required of all WTO Members beginning in 
2021?  
 
Page 59, paragraph 4.7:   The Secretariat Report states that all of the domestic support measures 
Oman has notified to the WTO belong to the Green Box.   However, we note that Oman has not 
submitted DS:2 notifications providing detail on the individual programs.  
 
• When does Oman plan to provide Table DS:2 notifications for its domestic support programs?  
 
Answer  
 Oman has already sent the WTO Secretariat notifications for 2014 -19 which includes DS:2.  
 
Follow -Up Question :  Oman has submitted Table DS:1 notifications for 2018 (G/AG/N/OMN/25), 
2017 (G/AG/N/OMN/24), 2016 (G/AG/N/OMN/21), 2015 (G/AG/N/OMN/23), and 2014 
(G/AG/N/OMN/22).  Each of these Table DS:1 notifications include a Supporting Table DS:2 on either 
page 3 or page 4, respectively.   Our quest ion did not pertain to the supporting tables.  Our question 
pertains to Table DS:2 notifications, which are separate and distinct from Supporting Table 
DS:2.   The instructions and format for the Table DS:2 notifications can be found in G/AG/2, on pages 
22 and 23.   Table DS:2 notifications include (1) full title of measure, (2) domestic legislation 
reference, (3) detailed description of measure with reference to criteria, (4) cost of measure, (5) 
date of entry into effect, (6) period of application, and (7) products to principally benefit.   When 
does Oman plan to provide Table DS:2 notifications for its domestic support programs?  
 
Answer  
Submitted notifications were reviewed by WTO officials before sending officially, ensuring they 
conform with the required format.  
 
__________